A. Herrera Columbus Crew Defender #2 – Key Strengths and Career Highlights
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Major League Soccer, you’ve probably noticed Andrés Herrera, rocking the #2 jersey for the Columbus Crew, making a name for himself on the back line. Herrera brings non-stop energy and grit every single week, and honestly, he’s become the Crew’s go-to guy in defense.
Columbus brought him in from River Plate on loan, and you can tell right away he’s added some real depth. His experience stands out, especially when things get tense late in matches.
Game after game, Herrera’s positioning and tackling pop off the screen. He doesn’t just sit back, either—he’s always ready to join the attack down the wing.
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He’s already notched his first MLS goal this season, which just shows he’s more than a stay-at-home defender. If you want to see how a smart signing can change a team’s playoff fortunes, just keep watching this Crew defender.
| Stat | 2025 Season (so far) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Key Tackles | 45 |
| Interceptions | 27 |
Contents
Who Is Andrés Herrera?
So, who is Andrés Herrera? He’s an Argentine right-back who landed in Columbus after a run with one of South America’s biggest clubs.
His journey and style on defense have made him a real asset for the Crew this season. You can’t help but notice the difference when he’s out there.
Career Overview
Herrera built his reputation as a dependable defender in Argentina before heading to Major League Soccer. He played for River Plate from 2022 through the summer of 2024.
Over 80 appearances as a right-back—that’s no small feat. He proved himself at a high level, week in and week out.
Columbus picked him up on loan, a deal running through mid-summer 2025. The club can buy his contract outright if he keeps impressing.
Here’s a quick look at his recent numbers:
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | River Plate | 80+ | 2 | 6 |
| 2025 | Columbus Crew | Ongoing | 0 | 1 |
He’s brought stability and experience to the Crew’s back line while adjusting to a new league. Herrera’s years in Argentina molded him into a pro with a sharp mindset and the right technical tools.
For more on his move, check out Herrera’s loan to Columbus.
Background and Early Life
Born November 3, 1998, in Corrientes, Argentina, Herrera grew up in a region famous for producing tough, disciplined athletes. He came up through the San Lorenzo youth system, getting early exposure to top coaching and some real competition.
As a kid, he stood out for his work ethic and smarts on the field. By his late teens, bigger clubs took notice.
A move to River Plate put him on a bigger stage, and he grew up fast under the spotlight. Those early challenges shaped the intensity and focus you see from him now.
His commitment and calm under pressure? That’s all from those foundational years.
Role as a Defender
Herrera lines up on the right, usually marking the opposition’s top wingers. He’s got one-on-one defending down to a science, and his quick recoveries make a difference.
He’s athletic, but it’s his tactical sense that really sets him apart. He knows when to bomb forward and when to hang back.
On the attack, he supports the midfield with sharp crosses and overlapping runs. Defensively, he keeps himself in the right spot—years at River Plate taught him that.
Columbus brought him in to raise the defensive standard, challenge attackers, and bring some veteran poise. Dive deeper at the Columbus Crew player page.
Andrés Herrera With Columbus Crew
Herrera arrived in MLS as one of the Crew’s marquee signings. You can see right away—his transition, his choice of squad number, and his early games all show how he fits into this well-drilled Columbus defense.
Transfer From River Plate
Columbus Crew brought Herrera in on loan from River Plate, a club with real pedigree in Argentina. The deal, announced in July 2025, runs through the summer, and Columbus can make it permanent.
At 25, Herrera came in with experience from both domestic and international matches. The Crew needed a right-back with technical skill and stamina, and Herrera checked both boxes.
He played over 80 games for River Plate between 2022 and 2024, so he didn’t need much time to get up to speed. His arrival sparked plenty of buzz in Ohio, with fans curious if he could bring that Argentine quality to MLS.
For all the details, check the Columbus Crew’s official announcement and extra coverage from MLS Soccer.
Debut and Early Matches
Herrera jumped right in and made an impact in his first few games. He started at right-back, tasked with shutting down wingers and linking up with the Crew’s midfielders.
Here’s how he did in his first five matches:
| Match | Minutes Played | Interceptions | Tackles Won | Pass Accuracy (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 90 | 3 | 2 | 84 |
| Match 2 | 85 | 2 | 1 | 87 |
| Match 3 | 90 | 4 | 2 | 85 |
| Match 4 | 78 | 3 | 2 | 81 |
| Match 5 | 90 | 2 | 3 | 86 |
You saw right away that Herrera reads the game well—he doesn’t get caught out on counters. He supports the attack with safe passes and those classic overlapping runs.
Coaches and teammates mentioned his calm under pressure. He brings a steadying influence, even when things get hectic.
Squad Number #2 Significance
Herrera picked the #2 jersey for Columbus Crew. In soccer, that number usually goes to a starting right-back or full-back.
For fans, seeing Herrera in #2 signaled instant trust from the staff. He stepped into a role with a real legacy in Columbus.
Past #2s set the standard for discipline and work rate on the flank. Herrera knew this, talked about it in interviews, and said he felt proud to wear it.
His choice wasn’t just about preference—it was about taking on responsibility. By wearing #2, Herrera put himself right in the heart of the Crew’s defensive identity.
Key Moments With Columbus Crew
Herrera had his first big moment in just his second start. He cleared a shot off the line in a 1-0 win, saving all three points.
He followed that up with his first assist—a pinpoint cross for a late goal. Those highlights showed exactly why the Crew brought him in.
Coaches pointed out how vocal he is, always directing teammates and calling out runners. In one tough home match, he shut down one of MLS’s fastest wingers, helping the Crew protect their unbeaten home record.
Herrera doesn’t just defend—he joins the attack when needed, stretching the field but never losing shape. When you watch Crew games this season, you’ll notice Herrera’s work in both the big moments and those subtle plays that keep a defense together.
For a closer look at his early highlights, check the match reports at Mad About College Sports.
Performance And Achievements
Andrés Herrera has quickly become a rock at the back for Columbus Crew. He’s made a mark across MLS with his no-nonsense defending, sharp passing, and ability to stay cool when the stakes are high.
2025 Season Highlights
From the jump in 2025, you could see Herrera’s impact on the back line. At 26, he’s brought a steady hand and sharp instincts, helping Columbus cut down on goals allowed and rack up clean sheets.
He’s logged over 2,000 minutes already, missing just two games with minor knocks. Along the way, he’s chipped in with an assist and kept his yellow card count in check.
Fans love his work rate and his ability to track back, letting other defenders push forward without worry.
2025 Key Stats:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 25 |
| Minutes Played | 2,070 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Clean Sheets | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
His leadership and calm have made a difference in close games. You can see the Crew’s defensive record improving compared to last year.
Want more on his impact? Check out the Columbus Crew in 2025.
Defensive Skills and Style
Herrera stands out for his awareness and quick reactions. As a right-back, he closes passing lanes and picks off balls before they turn dangerous.
He doesn’t dive in recklessly—he waits for the right moment. When he times a tackle, he’s already thinking about the counterattack.
Herrera isn’t just fast; he anticipates plays and snuffs out speedy wingers. His style is physical, but he stays in control.
Watch any Crew match and you’ll see him organizing the back line, pointing out assignments, and keeping everyone locked in. He’s the kind of defender who makes the whole group better.
For a deeper dive, check the latest Herrera stats and profile.
Contributions in Major Matches
When the stakes rise and games get tight, Herrera just seems to find another gear. Remember that late spring stretch? He threw himself into a goal-line clearance against a top rival and flat-out saved the day for Columbus.
You’ll see him hold his ground in those playoff-position scraps, matching up with MLS’s best attackers. He doesn’t get rattled or outmuscled when the pressure’s on.
Herrera racks up defensive clearances, blocks, and those last-ditch tackles that keep Columbus Crew from letting leads slip away. The coaches haven’t held back with their praise, especially when he locks in and helps the team grind out a win.
Fans have watched him anchor the Crew’s back line during injury spells or when suspensions hit. He’s shown he can adapt and handle just about anything. It’s tough not to trust a guy like Herrera when the moment’s biggest. Check out more detailed match ratings on Soccer24’s Herrera page.
Transfer And Loan Details
Andrés Herrera came to Columbus Crew on a loan deal that really shook things up, joining from River Plate. This move brought his South American experience right into the Crew’s back line, and honestly, it’s changed the look of the defense.
He’s jumped into Major League Soccer with new challenges, and you can see how it’s shaped his career.
Loan Agreement Structure
Columbus Crew and River Plate worked out a loan for Herrera, who came from one of Argentina’s top clubs. The deal runs through the middle of the 2025 MLS season, which gives Columbus some real flexibility with their roster.
They even set aside an international roster slot just for him. The purchase option? It’s reported at about $1.2 million.
At first, Columbus passed on buying him outright, but both sides circled back and chose to extend the loan instead. That’s a smart move, honestly—it lets the Crew keep their financials in check and gives them more time to see if Herrera’s truly the right fit. You can get all the details from this loan extension agreement update.
River Plate Career Recap
Before he landed in MLS, Herrera made his name at River Plate, playing in the top flight of Argentina. He built a reputation for his speed, his knack for breaking up attacks, and his steady presence at right back.
He could defend first, but he’d still make those forward runs when the chance came up. During his time at River, Herrera played in some huge league and continental matches.
That experience sharpened his tactical sense and discipline. Teams want defenders like that—guys who mix experience with athleticism. Now he’s brought that same skill set straight to the Crew.
Key Career Stats at River Plate
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists | Cards (Y/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 7/0 |
| 2023-2024 | 24 | 0 | 3 | 5/0 |
International Transfer Process
Herrera’s move from Argentina to the U.S. took some careful paperwork wrangling. Columbus Crew secured him an international roster slot, then pushed through his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
You need all that in order before he can play in MLS. The league’s got strict rules for non-domestic players—stuff like eligibility, work status, and registration.
The Crew’s staff hustled to get everything in place so Herrera could join preseason and get up to speed. If you don’t get the paperwork done on time, players can miss early games and fall behind. Here’s the Crew’s official loan announcement if you want more info.
International Career And Recognition
Andrés Herrera has pulled on the Argentina shirt at a high level, making a name for himself in youth tournaments and big international events. He’s got medal-winning moments and appearances at some of the world’s top youth stages.
Argentina U-23 and Pan American Games
Herrera’s impact with Argentina’s U-23 squad came early. He got picked for the 2019 Pan American Games, which is a huge showcase for young South American talent.
He started at right-back throughout the event, locking down the defense and using his pace to great effect. He didn’t just defend—he helped move the ball forward too.
Argentina won gold, beating Honduras in the final. Coaches and scouts definitely noticed Herrera’s presence every match.
Here’s a quick stat snapshot from the 2019 Pan American Games:
| Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 1 | 450 |
2020 Tokyo Olympics Participation
Herrera kept things rolling with a call-up for Argentina at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (played in 2021). He played right-back again, starting every group stage match.
His defensive positioning and ball-winning stood out, especially in pressure moments. The system asked him to defend and get forward—no easy task.
Argentina bowed out in the group stage, but Herrera gained valuable experience against top competition. Those games helped boost his profile for club and country.
Honors and Awards
Herrera’s international career isn’t short on highlights. He took home a gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, which is a huge achievement.
He also made the Argentina Olympic squad, which says a lot about his skill and work ethic. Coaches and peers have praised him as a reliable right-back, and his performances on the big stage led to offers from top clubs.
These honors show how much he’s grown, and they’re proof he’s ready for high-level football.
Media, Videos, And Digital Content
There’s no shortage of content if you want to see Andrés Herrera in action with the Columbus Crew. Highlights, images, full match replays—you’ll find it all.
Highlight Videos and Goals
If you’re after the best of Herrera, those highlight reels are a must. They focus on big defensive stops, timely tackles, and his rare but exciting runs forward.
The club’s social channels and official sites keep posting fresh game highlights. Clips usually run anywhere from 90 seconds to five minutes.
You’ll catch slow-motion replays of clean interceptions and smart challenges—perfect for seeing how Herrera reads the game. It’s a real treat if you love the details.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 highlight stats so far:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Interceptions | 27 |
| Successful Tackles | 68 |
| Key Highlight Clips | 12 |
Notable Match Footage
Want to see Herrera’s consistency over 90 minutes? Full-match replays and extended highlights are the way to go.
You’ll find individual games or big moments where he changed the flow for Columbus Crew. MLS Live and YouTube sometimes post entire matches, including showdowns against top Eastern Conference teams.
Fans love to rewatch his standout games, like that strong showing against Atlanta United in June 2025. Extended matches can run between 600MB and 1.5GB, depending on the quality. Shorter tactical breakdowns with expert commentary are out there, too.
Image and Video Specifications
Let’s talk specs, because you don’t want your phone or laptop struggling with those highlight reels. Most official team highlights come in 1080p HD, so you get crisp visuals and can actually see every move on the pitch.
Highlight clips usually clock in anywhere from 25MB to 150MB for the shorter stuff. Full-match replays can balloon up to 2GB—yeah, you’ll want some space for that.
Take a look at images of Herrera, like this action shot from June 25th, 2025. They usually offer these in high resolution, perfect for sharing or even printing if you’re into that.
You’ll mostly see JPEG and PNG files for photos. The sizes? Usually between 1MB and 10MB, so not too bad.
If you want smooth playback, stick with standard players that handle MP4 or AVI. That way, you won’t have to deal with choppy streams or weird errors.
