Portland Timbers Select Aaron Long with 36th Pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft

With the No. 36 pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, the Portland Timbers selected midfielder Aaron Long from the University of California Riverside. A four-year starter at Riverside, Long was twice an all-conference player and played at FC Tucson.

@williamconwell quality guy...has legit chance to make the team

— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 16, 2014

At 6'1", Long was a big attacking midfielder, scoring thirteen goals in college and adding two more with FC Tucson in the 2013 PDL season. But given his size and strength, scouts have suggested he could ultimately play center back in MLS. Unlike Schillo Tshuma and Taylor Peay, drafted earlier today by the Timbers, Long did not attend the MLS Combine.

Even if he transitions to a defensive role, Long would be likely to join the Timbers' affiliate club in Sacramento, provided he can make the team. Yet his size and skill on the ball make him an interesting candidate in Caleb Porter's system. Portland second round picks have not made any appearances in MLS to date, so perhaps he is a long shot in that regard, but a seasoned player with obvious skills is a good option for Porter in training camp.

Here is Long in action:

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