Allie Long

Allie Long has been a dynamic force in women's soccer, known for her years as a star midfielder for the Portland Thorns and her impactful presence on the international stage. Despite initially being on the fringes of the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), Long's talent and tenacity earned her a spot in the 2016 Olympics, where she started in three out of four games and was named Player of the Match against France. With exceptional vision, grit, and one of the highest passing percentages on the team, Long's playstyle is characterized by her forward-thinking approach—never opting to go laterally when there's an opportunity to drive the play forward.

Off the pitch, Long hones her skills in the vibrant futsal scene of New York City, where immigrant men from across the globe compete in intense leagues. These matches, often stretching into the early hours of the morning, are where Long finds her best training. Fully embraced by the community as "La Gringa," she is a regular fixture in these leagues, and her supporters there follow her NWSL career with enthusiasm. Whether playing for the Thorns or Reign FC, they cheer her on, especially during high-stakes moments like the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Soccer runs deep in Allie Long's family. Her great uncle, of Croatian descent, was passionate about the sport and founded the first girls' club on Long Island. Her mother, Barb, who played in this pioneering club, passed down her love for the game to Allie. Growing up, Allie and her mom would spend countless hours playing together on the road in front of their house, a tradition that continued into occasional pickup games as Allie grew older.

Long's husband, Bati, also a soccer player, introduced her to the New York futsal leagues and has been her frequent training partner. Whether on the international stage with her USWNT teammates or playing on the streets of her NYC upbringing, Allie Long's passion for the game is deeply intertwined with the people she loves. Her journey through soccer has been marked not just by her impressive skills on the field, but by the communities and relationships that have shaped her into the player she is today.