US Soccer Star Gets Wedding Leave During World Cup Prep

When duty calls for the US Men's National Team, most players drop everything and report to camp. But this week, midfielder Brenden Aaronson had one commitment that mattered even more.

The 25-year-old Leeds United player skipped Friday's World Cup training session to marry Milana D'Ambra, his longtime girlfriend and daughter of Saint Joseph's men's soccer coach Don D'Ambra. Aaronson left camp Thursday and returned Saturday, missing just one day to celebrate his big moment.

It's a reminder that even at the highest levels of professional sports, coaches and teammates understand what truly matters. The US Soccer Federation didn't hesitate to grant Aaronson leave, recognizing that some life events can't be rescheduled.

Aaronson comes from one of America's most prominent soccer families in Medford, New Jersey. His brother Paxten plays for the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, while his sister Jaden suited up for Villanova as a freshman. Their father Rusty serves as sporting director of Real Futbol Academy in their hometown.

This isn't the first time US Soccer has shown its human side. Back in May 2016, the team let star Christian Pulisic skip training to attend his high school prom at the Hershey Hotel in Pennsylvania. He danced the night away, then rejoined the squad the next day for a Copa América match against Bolivia in Kansas City.

Sunny's Take

These moments show that sports organizations are learning to honor the whole person, not just the athlete. When teams support their players through weddings, proms, and family milestones, they build loyalty and trust that lasts far beyond any single match.

Aaronson will bring more than just fresh legs back to Saturday's training session. He'll return with the energy and focus that comes from being fully present for life's most meaningful celebrations.