A. Herrera Columbus Crew Defender #2 Key Contributions and 2025 Season Overview

Alright folks, if you’ve been tracking Major League Soccer lately, you’ve probably seen the spark Andrés Herrera brings to the Columbus Crew defense. Wearing that number 2 shirt, Herrera’s energy and reliability have turned heads on the back line.

He’s not just another name out there—he’s quickly become a key figure in their defensive setup. Loaned in from River Plate, the Argentine right back has shown he can protect his team and, hey, he’s not shy about pushing forward to add a fresh dimension up the pitch.

You can see why his presence matters. In a recent clash, Herrera even knocked in his first goal of the season. So, he’s not just about locking down the defense—he’s making things happen at both ends.

You’ll find Andrés Herrera’s profile with the Columbus Crew showing just how much he’s thrown himself into this new challenge. The club’s backing him for his experience and skill, and honestly, they need it right now.

Herrera’s game? It goes beyond tackles and clearances. He’s got speed, vision, and he’s always giving the Crew options. Sometimes he’s breaking up attacks, other times he’s tearing down the sideline to set up a teammate.

Watch a Crew match and you’ll notice: Herrera just seems to pop up in the right spot, again and again.

Player Profile

Let’s take a closer look at a defender who’s brought skill and a veteran’s touch to the Crew’s backline.

This section lays out the basics—background, career highlights, and what makes him tick.

Basic Information

Herrera is 26, lines up at right back for the Crew, and rocks the number 2 jersey. He’s on the senior roster, no question.

Born November 3, 1998, in Corrientes, Argentina, he comes from a region that knows how to produce tough, competitive athletes.

Standing about 5’10” and weighing in around 165 lbs, Herrera fits the mold for his position. He plays right-footed, which suits the Crew’s defensive needs.

Being Argentine, he brings a style you just can’t teach—rooted in South American soccer tradition.

You want the full scoop? Check out Herrera’s player details and stats on the official Crew site.

Attribute	Details
Name	Andrés Herrera
Position	Defender, Right Back
Jersey Number	2
Date of Birth	Nov 3, 1998
Age	26
Height	5’10” (1.78 m)
Weight	165 lbs (73 kg)
Birthplace	Corrientes, Argentina
Nationality	Argentine
Foot	Right
Roster Category	Senior

Career Overview

Columbus Crew brought Herrera in from River Plate, a true powerhouse in Argentina. When the club announced the loan, it was clear they wanted his experience and technical chops.

He joined the Crew in 2024, aiming to anchor the defense and add leadership.

Before MLS, Herrera sharpened his game with River Plate, taking on the Argentine league’s best and learning at the highest level. He earned a reputation as a talented, reliable player right in his prime.

You can follow Herrera’s career stats and history on ESPN’s player profile.

Herrera’s mix of international and South American experience gives the Crew a real edge. He brings stability and tactical smarts to the right side of the field.

Current Role at Columbus Crew

A. Herrera wasted no time becoming a big presence for the Crew. He’s shaped the team’s attack and defense every time he starts at right back.

First Team Contributions

Every time Herrera steps on the field, you can feel his impact for Columbus. Since joining on loan from River Plate in August 2024, he’s taken up an international slot and moved right into the starting lineup.

Herrera’s got an aggressive but controlled style. He locks down the right side, but he’s just as comfortable launching counterattacks and linking up with the midfield.

You can see him reading the play, picking off passes, and flipping defense into attack in a heartbeat.

And he’s not just about stopping goals. Herrera likes to overlap, join set pieces, and push forward whenever the Crew need an extra spark.

When the schedule gets hectic, Herrera’s steady play really stands out. Crew fans have started to expect him to deliver in the tightest moments.

You’ll catch his defensive stops and quick transitions in highlight reels all over social media.

Performance and Statistics

Let’s talk numbers. Herrera’s value shows up on the stat sheet, plain and simple.

By late June 2025, he’s played in almost every match for the Crew, locking down a regular starting spot.

His defensive stats—tackles, clearances, interceptions—rank among the best for Crew defenders.

Here’s a quick look at his current MLS season:

Stat	Total
Matches Played	18
Starts	16
Goals	1
Assists	2
Tackles	35
Interceptions	28
Clearances	41

Herrera’s influence also shows up in the Crew’s pace of play and ball recoveries. He helps keep that back line strong.

He’s living up to the expectations for a defender in an international slot. If you want more, check out his official Crew page or his profile and stats.

Previous Clubs and Experience

Before Columbus, Herrera built a name for himself with some of Argentina’s biggest clubs. He’s played in huge matches and lifted trophies that matter.

River Plate

River Plate—no introduction needed. Herrera joined them in early 2022, stepping into a squad with big expectations.

He didn’t waste time, becoming a regular starter at right back and showing off his pace and sharp defensive reads.

At River, Herrera racked up over 50 first-team appearances. He played in league games, cup matches, and even the Copa Libertadores—South America’s top club competition.

River Plate’s demanding setup forced him to grow fast. During his spell, River Plate added the Supercopa Argentina and Trofeo de Campeones to their trophy haul.

Herrera played a part in those high-stakes games, boosting his status as a defender you can trust.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Trophies Won
2022-2024	All Competitions	50+	2	Supercopa Argentina, Trofeo de Campeones

San Lorenzo

Before River Plate, Herrera cut his teeth at San Lorenzo. He came up through their youth system and, by 2018, started getting regular minutes in Argentina’s Primera División.

At San Lorenzo, he built up his tactical awareness and learned to defend one-on-one in tough situations.

San Lorenzo’s focus on homegrown talent gave Herrera early exposure to domestic cups and high-intensity matches.

He didn’t win a major trophy there, but the experience was priceless. His consistency and work rate stood out, and that growth set him up for his move to River Plate.

Loan Moves and Transfers

Fast forward to 2024, the transfer window heats up, and Herrera makes a big move to MLS.

Columbus Crew picked up Herrera from River Plate on loan through summer 2025. The Crew wanted his experience and tactical smarts to shore up the defense.

This wasn’t just a routine signing—he took an international slot, showing the Crew saw him as a key addition. River Plate kept a 40% sell-on clause, which tells you they still rate his potential.

MLS fans and media followed the move closely on transfer trackers. For Herrera, it was a shot to prove himself in a new league after handling South America’s biggest matches.

International Experience

Let’s not forget about Herrera’s international résumé. He’s logged important minutes with Argentina’s youth national teams and delivered on some pretty big stages.

Appearances for Argentina

Herrera earned his stripes in Argentina’s national setup, representing the country at various youth levels. As a right-back, he built a reputation for his speed, tackling, and willingness to join the attack.

He played for the U23 squad and got called up for several major tournaments. One highlight? The 2019 Pan American Games.

There, he featured in multiple matches and helped Argentina bring home the gold medal.

He later suited up for the Olympic team, including friendlies leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.

Year	Team	Caps	Notable Achievements
2019	Argentina U23	6	Gold, Pan American Games
2021	Argentina U23	3	Olympic friendlies

Those experiences shaped Herrera’s defensive style and gave him a boost in confidence for big matches.

Youth Tournaments

Herrera’s rise started in Argentina’s youth tournaments, where he showed flashes of what was coming.

At the 2019 Pan American Games, he locked down a starting spot as a defender.

The Pan American Games matter a lot for South American players. Herrera started several games and helped Argentina’s defense stay rock solid.

In the final, his positioning and passing helped Argentina beat Honduras for the gold.

Herrera’s journey through youth tournaments included qualifiers and friendlies before the big competitions. Argentina often leaned on him for his cool head and smart decisions.

Those efforts made him a regular pick for the U23 national team.

Club World Cup Participation

Let’s talk about Herrera’s international experience at the club level. When he played for River Plate, they put his name on the squad list as they geared up for the FIFA Club World Cup. That’s the big one—where top clubs from every continent go head-to-head, chasing global glory.

River Plate didn’t actually play in the Club World Cup during Herrera’s main run, but he still stood out thanks to his time in international club competitions. He took part in CONMEBOL Libertadores, squaring off against teams from all over South America. That kind of exposure? It prepped him for the world stage.

Those cup matches forced Herrera to adjust to new playing styles and ramp up his intensity. He learned a lot as a defender in those games. You can see that growth in how he plays for both club and country.

Key Matches and Rivalries

A. Herrera has jumped right in at right back for Columbus Crew. He’s making a mark in the games that matter most—big matchups, local rivalries, you name it.

His performances in those high-stakes moments? They shape the Crew’s results, and they’re quickly building his reputation in MLS.

Notable MLS Games

When Herrera landed in Columbus in 2024, he didn’t get much time to settle in. He was under the spotlight right away, especially in those early games packed with hype and expectation.

Atlanta United FC and Philadelphia Union? Those were the big early tests. Both teams force defenders to stay sharp, communicate constantly, and react fast.

At Lower.com Field against Atlanta, Herrera’s marking and passing kept the Crew organized. He read the game well, jumped on key passes, and shut down space on his side.

In a tense battle with Philadelphia Union, Herrera racked up four big tackles and made a crucial clearance late in the match.

You’ll see Herrera in the highlight reels, working closely with Max Arfsten and Issa Tall. Those three really get each other on the back line.

He’s basically a lock in the starting lineup these days, and fans notice—whether it’s at home or on the road.

Match	Opponent	Minutes Played	Tackles	Clearances	Key Passes
March 2025	Atlanta United FC	90	3	2	1
April 2025	Philadelphia Union	89	4	3	2

Important Team Matches

When the Crew play at Lower.com Field, tickets vanish fast for the big rivalries. Herrera’s defense gets talked about the most in those games.

He helped the Crew keep a clean sheet in a packed home match, showing real poise and muscle on set pieces.

Playoff-type matches bring out huge crowds and laser focus. In those showdowns against top Eastern Conference teams, Herrera’s discipline is obvious. He’s often up against the quickest attackers out there.

In a late-season, must-get result, Herrera made a clutch interception in the dying minutes. That play saved a point and kept the Crew’s playoff hopes alive.

Herrera and Issa Tall have built a strong partnership, with Tall rotating in as needed. This gives the Crew defensive strength against the league’s toughest opponents.

Media and Public Perception

A. Herrera’s move to Columbus Crew has definitely caught people’s attention. You’ll find updates, news, and interviews that pull back the curtain on his game and how he’s adjusting to MLS.

Coverage and Latest News

Since Herrera came over from River Plate, both local and international media have kept a close eye on him. Most outlets talk up his defensive instincts, cool head under pressure, and tactical smarts.

Columbus Crew locked him in on loan until mid-summer 2025, so fans and analysts are watching closely. MLS Soccer and The Columbus Dispatch both covered the details and expectations around the deal.

Here’s a quick look at recent headlines:

Date	Headline	Outlet
Aug 2024	Crew acquires Herrera from River Plate	MLS Soccer
Aug 2024	Herrera’s arrival brings strong defense	Columbus Dispatch

You can bet more coverage is coming, especially if Herrera keeps starting or comes up big in key moments.

Interviews and Videos

There’s no shortage of interviews and video clips showing Herrera’s personality and how he approaches the game. Early on, he talked about putting the team first and staying humble as he made the switch from Argentina to MLS.

The official Columbus Crew website and their social media channels post training clips and reactions from matches.

Fans love the behind-the-scenes videos—Herrera chatting with teammates, talking about his move, or sharing his goals. These little moments let you see who he is off the field.

With more interviews and highlight reels popping up, you get a pretty direct sense of how Herrera fits into Columbus Crew’s system.

Personal Life and Family

Andrés Herrera, Columbus Crew’s defender, has deep roots in Argentina—where soccer is more than just a sport.

His upbringing and family shaped his discipline and drive on the pitch.

Family Background

Herrera grew up in Corrientes, Argentina, where family means everything. His parents backed him early on, pushing him to work hard in school and on the field.

You might wonder if he’s related to Marcelo Herrera, another Argentine pro. There’s no public connection—just a shared last name and career.

Herrera’s family still supports his moves in international football, including his time with the Columbus Crew as a defender. Their influence shows in his careful, professional approach.

Management and Club Leadership

Columbus Crew’s leadership brought in Andrés Herrera after thinking long and hard about what the team needed. They wanted more depth at the back and experience from international players who could slide right into their system.

General Manager’s Perspective

Alright, let’s talk about how General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko really went after Herrera from River Plate. He pulled off the loan deal, and there’s even an option to buy down the road. Honestly, the front office saw Herrera’s experience with a top Argentine club and figured, why not bring that quality and consistency to the Crew’s defense?

You can see why Herrera’s signing matters. The Crew finally have a proven right back, and that spot needed help. Management loves Herrera’s physicality, his tactical awareness—heck, even his versatility. Those are huge if you want to survive the grind and actually make some noise in the playoffs.

Bezbatchenko’s always talking about building a roster tough enough for the long MLS season. Herrera’s arrival is proof of that plan coming to life.

Key Stats for Club Decision-Makers

Player	Age	Position	Height	Nationality	Contract End	Option to Buy
A. Herrera	26	Defender	1.85 m	Argentina	June 2025	Yes

Columbus’s management points to Herrera’s leadership and big-game experience as the main reasons for bringing him in. They trust he’ll keep the backline calm when the pressure’s on.

If you’re a fan, this isn’t just about plugging a hole on the roster. It’s about building a group that can fight for every single match.

You want more info? Check out the Columbus Crew official player profile.