The NWSL is a beautiful web of relationships between teammates past and present. Many players have played college, professional, and international games alongside others around the league, and continue to do so with their new teams. Allie Long is one player who has experience playing with many of her current teammates in other places.
Long was born in Huntington, New York, where she played four years of varsity soccer at Northport High School for a team that went undefeated in the regular season in all four of her seasons. She began her collegiate career at Penn State University before transferring to the University of North Carolina where she teamed up with Thorns teammates Nikki Washington and Tobin Heath to win a NCAA National Championship.
In fact, Long and Heath have teamed up several times after college with Sky Blue FC (2011), Paris Saint-Germain (2011-12) and the New York Fury (2012). Long also played with teammate Nikki Marshall in 2010 with the Washington Freedom.
Although Long is a Long Islander at heart, she says she has been enjoying Portland. We caught up with recently for the latest edition of Pop Quiz.
What’s your favorite song on your playlist right now?
AL: “Spirit Breakout”
Favorite summer vacation spot?
AL: “Long Island. The Hamptons.”
Which of your teammates should have her own reality TV show?
AL: “Me and Alex [Morgan]”
TV show you would like to guest star on?
AL: “Chelsea Lately.”
During off days you can find me ___
AL: “Relaxing”
What summer movie are you most excited to see?
AL: “Right now I want to see ‘The Great Gatsby,’ but I don’t know what the summer holds.”
The Beach or the Mountains?
AL: “Beach”
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? (Could be food, show, song, etc.)
AL: “Frozen yogurt. Specifically ‘Twist’ here in Portland.”
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered in Portland so far?
AL: “Sinclair. No, I’m kidding! The most surprising is how slow people drive.”
