American midfielder Brenden Aaronson, a notable figure in the U.S. World Cup team, took a one-day leave from training to marry his longtime girlfriend, Milana D’Ambra. The wedding took place amidst the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, reflecting the personal commitments athletes often juggle alongside their professional responsibilities.
Aaronson, who plays for Leeds and was part of the 2022 U.S. World Cup squad, left the training camp after Thursday’s session and is expected to return in time for Saturday’s practice. His absence was noted by fellow team members, including Gio Reyna, who was represented at the wedding by his wife, Chloe.
Teammate Cristian Roldan mentioned the possibility of the wedding being a ‘no-phones’ event, with plans for a live stream if allowed. This highlights the modern ways in which athletes and their families stay connected during significant life events.
Aaronson hails from a well-known soccer family in Medford, New Jersey. His brother Paxten plays for Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and his sister Jaden was a freshman player for Villanova last fall. Their father, Rusty, serves as the sporting director of Real Futbol Academy in Medford.
Before the ceremony, Aaronson was reportedly playing golf, a common pastime for athletes to relax and unwind. His teammates humorously advised him not to ‘mess it up’ and to remember to say ‘I do.’
The timing of the wedding was carefully planned around the World Cup schedule. Players are granted 21 days off before reporting to their Premier League clubs, with the U.S. team’s final match potentially as early as June 25 or as late as July 19, depending on their progress in the tournament.
This isn’t the first time a U.S. soccer player has balanced personal events with professional duties. In 2016, star player Christian Pulisic was allowed to attend his high school prom before returning for a Copa America match, illustrating the team’s understanding of personal milestones.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
