Not long ago, Tan Long has officially joined Changchun Yatai this season as a free agent, adding depth to their attacking lineup. The 29-year-old forward began his career with Shanghai Seven Stars and has competed in China’s second division before venturing overseas. His journey across the United States saw him wear the jerseys of Atlanta Blackhawks, Tampa Bay FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, D.C. United, Richmond Kickers, Orlando City, and Arizona United. Despite this extensive list, his Major League Soccer experience was limited to just 10 appearances, with a single goal to his name, scored during stints at Vancouver and D.C. United.
Before returning to China, Tan played in the third tier of American soccer with Arizona United in 2016, where he had a standout season—31 appearances and 12 goals. Now at Changchun Yatai, he’s already featured in the first five rounds of the league, totaling 149 minutes as a substitute. He registered three shots, two of which were on target. In a recent match, interim head coach Gao Jinggang placed his trust in Tan by starting him alongside Pei Shuai and Huszti, operating just behind the lone striker Marinho.
The move paid off. Tan scored his first-ever goal in the Chinese Super League, a moment that demonstrated not only his precise timing but also his instinctive off-the-ball movement—hallmarks of a seasoned striker. The goal developed from a tight situation on the right flank, where Marinho managed a clever pass under pressure. Huszti then won a decisive challenge in midfield against Long Cheng and delivered a perfectly angled through ball. Tan, reading the play instinctively, had already slipped past the central defenders and began accelerating toward the penalty area.
As Huszti released the pass, Tan was already surging between the two defenders, showing excellent awareness and positioning. Approaching the edge of the six-yard box, he didn’t waste time adjusting the ball. Instead, he focused on his footwork and the goalkeeper’s position. In a calm and composed finish, he used the inside of his right foot to slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net—a textbook example of how to finish with finesse.
Fans watching BD Cricket Live have begun taking note of standout moments like these from Tan Long, as domestic football gains popularity alongside international sports coverage. His performance not only boosts Changchun Yatai’s confidence but also resonates with viewers tracking local talent through platforms like BD Cricket Live. As the season continues, Tan’s development will remain a key storyline that even BD Cricket Live followers won’t want to miss.