By OkayGoal 
A new wave of young talent is making its mark in the NWSL this season, including Kansas City’s Mary Long. At just 18 years old, the hometown forward has already appeared in four matches for the Current, showing flashes of the skill and confidence that made her one of the country’s top recruits. From the youth national team to a brief but impactful college stint, Long’s journey is just beginning.
Mary Long’s Beginnings
In the years before joining college and then the NWSL, Mary Long had garnered numerous accolades that showcased her talent. According to Duke Athletics, Long was ranked as the No. 39 in the Class of 2024 by TopDrawerSoccer. She was also listed as the 11th-best midfielder in the class of 2024 who chose to join college.
Long was also a 2023 ECNL National Finalist, and she was the leading scorer at the time with six goals. She also had three assists. During the ECNL’s 2021-22 season, Long played for the Kansas City Athletics and scored 19 goals. The same girl who started playing soccer at the age of three, according to The Harbinger, was already making a name for herself.
Her Short College Career
Mary Long’s talent continued to shine in the next stage of her life. She played the 2024 collegiate season for Duke University. With them, Long helped lead the team to win the 2024 ACC Conference Championship. She also helped them reach the semifinals in the NCAA College Cup. Her contribution to the team was evident as she played in all five NCAA matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Playing in only 15 matches at Duke, she left them with three goals and an assist.
Mary Long’s Early U.S. Appearance
The success Mary Long witnessed on the club level continued with her on the national level, too. She played for the U.S. during the 2024 U-17 World Cup. The forward started five matches and scored a goal against South Korea. She also had an assist during the match against Colombia. With her participation, Long played a role in leading the U.S. to a bronze medal after defeating England. This is just the start. We might see her join the USWNT in the future, especially with how Emma Hayes is changing the team and adding young players.
In a conversation with FIFA, Long shared how the tournament benefited her. “A part of playing teams like this is that everything has to be that much faster. That’s something that I’ve gotten better at over the tournament and getting to train with these girls every day. They are making me so much better because they are so talented,” she said.
Now, Long is ready for the next stage in her life when it comes to national soccer. She has been named to the United States Under-20 National Team, which will compete at the 2025 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
The Move to the NWSL
Now playing for the Kansas City Current, Mary Long is in familiar territory. During the last two seasons, the forward trained with the Current’s first team. She was one of three collegiate players signed by the Current ahead of the 2025 season.
“This is the moment I’ve dreamed of for as long as I can remember. I am so grateful to Vlatko and the rest of the staff for believing in me over the last few years. The Current holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to represent my hometown as we pursue Championships,” said Long according to Soccer Wire.
The Family Connection
Mary Long joining the Kansas City Current comes along with the fact that her parents, Chris and Angie Long, are the Current’s co-owners. This, however, won’t change anything. The young forward won’t be receiving any special treatment. She reached the position she is in right now because of her talent and not her parents.
“Everyone in the environment is held accountable to the same standards,” said Long regarding how she might be treated. This is according to the Johnson County Post.
Current’s manager Vlatko Andonovski shares the same sentiment. “She [Mary Long] comes in as a player like everyone else. She comes in as a player with lots of potential,” said Andonovski, according to the same publication.
Making Dreams Come True
This season might be Mary Long’s first one, but that doesn’t mean she won’t get the chance to impress and improve. A player with her determination can find their way to success. “My biggest dream is to play for the women’s national team, but I would definitely want to play in either the NWSL or Europe,” Long said, according to the Harbinger. She is already making some of her dreams come true. And while Long’s favorite players include anyone in the Kansas City Current’s team, she is capable of becoming her own kind of player.
Image via @mary_a_long
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