KEVIN LONG NEWS

Toronto takes home draw streak into matchup against Orlando City

Toronto takes on Orlando City after playing to a draw in four straight home games

OCTOBER 17 • Associated Press

Season over Long (lower body) is done for the remainder of the season, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.

Impact Long won't play again this season with his lower body injury putting an end to his campaign. The defender finishes the campaign with 24 appearances (23 starts) and 1,890 minutes played. He was good when fit, but struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. Long will hope to get back fit for the 2026 campaign.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Out once more Long (lower body) is out for Saturday's trip to Chicago, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Long is still out with a leg injury, the same injury he picked up in September against New England. There is some optimism he could be back before the end of the regular city, but he needs to get back in training before an potential return. Sigurd Rosted will continue in the starting XI against Chicago.

OCTOBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Won't face Columbus Long (leg) is out for Saturday's match against Columbus, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.

Impact Long is not going to be an option Saturday after his early exit from the club's last match, with the defender still dealing with his leg injury. This is going to be a tough loss for the club, as he is typically a starter when fit, only missing five starts all season. That said, Richie Lareyea, Sigurd Rosted or Lazar Stefanovic will likely make up the center-back duo with Long out.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not in training Thursday Long (leg) wasn't seen during Thursday's training session, John Molinaro of TFC Republic reports.

Impact The fact that Long wasn't available in training Thursday suggests he might not be available to face Columbus on Saturday. If that's the case, Sigurd Rosted could take his place in the starting lineup.

SEPTEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves injured Saturday Long was forced off early in the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw against New England Revolution.

Impact Long left the pitch with an apparent physical issue and was replaced by Sigurd Rosted after starting as one of his side's two center-backs in this match. The Irishman is at risk of missing the final stretch of the regular season if the problem is serious. He had been quite active lately, averaging five clearances per game over his last eight consecutive starts.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Shines in return Long made two tackles, 12 clearances and one block while helping his side to keep a clean sheet during Saturday's scoreless draw against Minnesota.

Impact Long returned to the team after missing the previous two matches due to a lower body issue and had an outstanding performance at the heart of the defense, putting up 12 clearances for the second consecutive game. If games like this become a trend for the center-back, he'll become a must-have fantasy pick regardless of league format.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

On bench against Miami Long (lower body) is on the bench for Sunday's game versus Inter Miami.

Impact Long returns to the squad following a one-game absence, with the injury he suffered turning out to be a minor one. He could see minutes in either Nicksoen Gomis' or Sigurd Rosted's place Sunday. After that, the experienced defender will aim to regain a starting role and increase his season totals of 23 clearances, six interceptions and six tackles.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Saturday Long (lower body) is out for Saturday's clash with Vancouver, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Long is ruled out for Saturday's match as he was ruled out with a lower body injury. The defender is a major loss while out, and will hope to return before an April 6 trip to Miami. Nicksoen Gomis could get the start with Long out.

MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE

Goes all 90 minutes Long registered three tackles (three won), 12 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to New York Red Bulls.

Impact Long was able to start per usual at center back after picking up a minor injury against Chicago. He started all five matches played, collecting 23 clearances while making six tackles and six interceptions.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up injury Saturday Long (undisclosed) was forced off injured during Saturday's clash with Chicago.

Impact Long picked up the injury in first-half stoppage time and was forced off, which suggests it could be serious since he could not wait until halftime. The defender was replaced by Lazar Stefanovic, who could see a larger role if the injury proves significant. Long will likely be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue and his availability moving forward.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Option picked up Long (concussion) will be back in Toronto for 2025 after his contract option was picked up.

Impact Long's contract option for 2025 was picked up, and the defender is now set for another year with the club. The defender has done well since making the switch from England to Toronto, and he clearly did enough to earn the contract extension.

OCTOBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out with concussion Long (concussion) won't be available for Saturday's game against Inter Miami, head coach John Herdman told John Molinaro of TFC Republic.

Impact The central defender will miss the final game of the regular season for Toronto, though he could be available for a potential playoff run in case the Reds qualify. Either way, it's been an injury-riddled season for Long, but he's been a regular at the back when available. He finishes the 2024 regular season with 113 clearances, 40 tackles and 18 interceptions across 26 appearances (24 starts).

OCTOBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Unused Saturday Long (hamstring) was an unused sub in Saturday's 2-0 loss versus Colorado Rapids.

Impact Long was an option for the first time in two matches, however was not fit to make an appearance. Once fit, the defender will return to being an option in the back line for Toronto, having made22 stars in 24 MLS appearances during his first season in the league.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Should be available vs. Colorado Long (hamstring) is expected to be available for Saturday's game against Colorado, though his workload will have to be managed, manager John Herdman told John Molinaro of TFC Repub...

Impact Long has missed Toronto's last two games, but the fact that he's expected to be available should give the Reds a huge boost in the defensive end. Long has been a regular for Toronto this season after starting in all but two of his 24 appearances.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Upgrades to day-to-day Long is listed as day to day ahead of Wednesday's match against Columbus, per the Touchline TFC.

Impact Long is working back on a return after missing the last match with a hamstring injury. Even if the defender has to start on the bench, Aime Mabika, Sigurd Rosted and Raoul Petretta will likely get the call to start in the back line for Toronto.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Long (hamstring) is out for Saturday's clash with Austin, according to Walking the Red.

Impact Long is surprisingly out due to a hamstring problem. It's not clear when he picked the issue up, as he went the full 90 in the final match before the break. Long will hope to be back sooner rather than later with a busy September on the cards.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Completes one-game ban Long completed his one-game suspension and will be eligible to play against Columbus on Saturday.

Impact Long has been shown seven yellow cards this season, but given he's been a regular for Toronto in 2024, he should return to the lineup when the Reds take on the Crew in what looks like a tough matchup on paper. Long has recorded 87 clearances, an average of 4.83 per game, across his 18 appearances (17 starts) this season.

JULY 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Set for suspension Long generated five clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 52nd minute.

Impact Long will serve a one match suspension for the second time this season after collecting seven yellow card in 18 appearances. His absence will create a void in the starting XI for Toronto, with Sigurd Rosted an option to play in the back line alongside Nicksoen Gomis and Shane O'Neill, if he is ruled fit. Raoul Petretta could also be an option to start at center back as well for Wednesday's clash with Orlando.

JUNE 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Eligible for TFC Long has served his one match suspension and is set to be an option for Saturday's match against Montreal.

Impact Long will likely return to center back alongside Sigurd Rosted and Nicksoen Gomis after serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation. He's been averaging about 5.1 clearances per game, totaling 30 in the last six games.

MAY 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended to face Nashville Long was booked in the 3-2 loss to New York City FC on Saturday, meaning he'll be suspended to face Nashville on Wednesday. He registered seven clearances and played 79 minutes in...

Impact Long was one caution away from earning an automatic one-match suspension, which will be the case for this midweek clash after his booking over the weekend in the defeat to NYCFC. Long's absence will probably translate into Aime Mabika moving to a starting role at center-back, while Long should be eligible to return against Montreal on Saturday, May 18.

MAY 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Set for suspension return Long has completed his one-game suspension and is eligible to face Orlando City on Saturday.

Impact Long has been a regular for Toronto FC at the back, and the center-back should recover his starting role for this upcoming matchup.

APRIL 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off vs. Charlotte Long was sent off in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Charlotte. He left the game in the final minutes of the second half, racking up eight clearances and two tackles before departing the co...

Impact Long was sent off in the 98th minute after receiving a second yellow card to avoid what would've likely been Charlotte's fourth goal. The defender, who had started in each of Toronto's eight previous contests this season, will be eligible to return against Orlando City on April 27. Expect Aime Mabika to replace Long at the center-back against New England on Saturday.

APRIL 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Strong in debut Long recorded four tackles (one won), three clearances and three blocks in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus FC Cincinnati.

Impact Despite not having much time between his Toronto signing and his Toronto debut, Long made the most of it by excelling in most defensive categories, including leading the team in blocks. With how well the center-back played Sunday, he is expected to continue being one of Toronto FC's primary defenders, at least while his form is high.

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Toronto FC acquire D Kevin Long from Birmingham City Toronto FC acquired Irish defender Kevin Long from English Championship side Birmingham City on Tuesday.The 33-year-old center back is signe...

FEBRUARY 20, 2024 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM