A. Herrera D.C. United Defender #22 Season Performance and Impact Analysis
When you tune in to a D.C. United match this season, your eyes can’t help but find Aaron Herrera, #22, patrolling the right side. Herrera’s become a vital cog for D.C. United, always bringing a steady defensive presence and sharp attacking runs up that flank.
He’s not just about the numbers, but let’s be honest—one goal and six assists in 28 matches is nothing to sneeze at. You can check those stats for yourself on his official club profile.
What really jumps out, though, is how Herrera’s experience and leadership seem to lift the younger guys around him. He organizes the defense, keeps things tight, and you just sense the back line is tougher with him out there.
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| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | D.C. United | 28 | 1 | 6 |
Contents
A. Herrera as D.C. United Defender #22
Herrera’s become a fixture at right back for D.C. United, bringing reliability and a spark of creativity every time he steps on the pitch. In that #22 shirt, he mixes tactical awareness with a real hunger to get involved at both ends.
Role and Responsibilities on the Team
Herrera’s job isn’t limited to shutting down attackers. As the starting right back, he’s got to close down the opposition’s left wingers and, when D.C. United pushes forward, offer width and support up the sideline.
You’ll often spot him flying up the right, linking up with the midfield, and whipping in crosses toward the penalty area. When the team’s defending, he marks speedy wingers and uses smart positioning to break up plays.
He covers defensive gaps and helps organize the back line. Herrera’s not afraid to speak up, guiding younger defenders and keeping everyone on the same page.
Performance Highlights in All Competitions
Herrera put in 28 appearances across all competitions, notching a goal and six assists. That’s a right back making his mark on both sides of the ball.
Here’s a quick look at his 2024 numbers:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Key Passes | 18 |
| Minutes Played | 2,514 |
Stats like these show why Herrera’s so valuable. You can dig deeper into his numbers on Transfermarkt or ESPN. He’s always near the top for tackles and chances created from the back.
Style of Play and Strengths
If you’re watching closely, you’ll see Herrera loves to transition from defense to attack in a heartbeat. He’s got a knack for overlapping runs, giving teammates more options out wide. His crosses? They find their targets more often than not.
On defense, Herrera leans on anticipation and timing. He’s not the fastest right back in MLS, but he reads the game well and rarely gets caught out.
Versatility, work rate, and the ability to step up in big moments—those are Herrera’s calling cards. His style fits D.C. United’s approach: organized at the back, quick and wide on the break. Honestly, there aren’t many right backs in MLS who offer this blend of stability and attacking punch. If you want to see what I mean, check out his match highlights on the D.C. United website.
Right Back Position: Impact and Versatility
Right back is a special spot in any MLS lineup, and for D.C. United, Herrera’s brought both stability and a creative spark. He’s made the most of that right flank.
Typical Duties of a Right Back in MLS
In MLS, right backs do way more than just defend. Marking wingers, cutting out crosses, tracking back—sure, that’s part of it. But when your team has the ball, you’ve got to flip the switch and join the attack, sometimes overlapping the winger and stretching the field.
The best right backs in the league read the game and react fast. They overlap, send in crosses, and then hustle back to help out on defense. That quick transition can really set the tone for the whole team.
Here are some main right back responsibilities:
- Marking and containing wingers
- Supporting center backs and defensive midfielders
- Pushing forward to join attacks
- Delivering crosses into the box
- Sprinting back to defend during counters
Herrera’s Adaptability and Tactical Roles
Herrera’s shown he can play across the back line, but he’s made right back his own. His time at D.C. United proves he can blend defensive grit with energy going forward.
In 2025, Herrera’s chipped in a goal and six assists over 28 matches. That’s a defender who’s always involved, whether it’s breaking up attacks or starting them (player profile and stats).
You see his adaptability every match—sometimes he’s tight on a winger, sometimes he’s halfway up the pitch. He stays cool under pressure, plays quick passes, and isn’t afraid to hit a long ball to jumpstart an attack. Coaches love having a guy like Herrera who can shift roles on a dime.
Herrera’s 2025 Regular Season Stats
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 1 | 6 | 21 | 18 |
Comparisons with Other D.C. United Defenders
Stack Herrera up against other D.C. United defenders and he stands out. Most center backs and left backs focus on defense, but Herrera’s role demands constant stamina, sharp awareness, and technical skill.
The club’s rotated defenders plenty, but few push forward into the attack like Herrera does. His assist totals even outpace some midfielders. Other right backs have come and gone, but Herrera’s blend of athleticism and smarts keeps him locked into the starting lineup (Herrera profile). With Herrera, you’re not just getting a defender; you’re getting a difference-maker at both ends.
Career Achievements and Statistics
Aaron Herrera’s made his name as a steady right back for D.C. United and across MLS. He racks up assists, earns team honors, and seems to make every minute count.
MLS Career Overview
Herrera kicked off his MLS career with Real Salt Lake before making his way to D.C. United. He quickly became a regular in every back line, showing consistency and durability.
He’s versatile, too. Herrera’s played both right back and wing-back, adapting to whatever the team needs. Last season, he started 28 matches for D.C. United—just rock-solid stuff. At 28, he’s already got international experience with the U.S. and now Guatemala.
Here’s a snapshot of his recent MLS stats:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | DC United | 28 | 1 | 6 |
| Career | MLS Total | 100+ | 2 | 20+ |
Notable Goals and Key Assists
Herrera’s attacking chops really show in his ability to create chances from the right. In 2024, he scored once and set up six more. That’s leading all defenders on the squad in assists.
Back with Real Salt Lake, Herrera set a club record for assists by a defender in a single season—11, if you’re counting. Those came from deep runs and well-timed passes into the box. He’s got a knack for picking the right moment.
A lot of his goals and assists come in tight games. He just has a sense for big moments, and that playmaking edge sets him apart from most defenders.
Defensive Achievements
Don’t overlook Herrera’s defensive work. Every week, he marks top attackers, wins tackles, and battles in the air. Coaches trust him for his motor and his calm under pressure.
His advanced stats—blocks, interceptions, clearances—show how much ground he covers. In 2025, he played 17 matches and locked down the right side without picking up a single red card.
Herrera’s tough to beat one-on-one. He reads the game well and rarely leaves his spot open. Performances like these explain why he’s a fixture in starting lineups year after year. If you want the full breakdown, check his MLS profile or his DC United page.
Transfer History and Career Development
Aaron Herrera’s MLS journey tells the story of smart moves, steady improvement, and growing responsibility. He’s shown he can adapt and contribute at both club and international levels.
Move from CF Montréal to D.C. United
Herrera arrived at D.C. United after wrapping up the 2023 season with CF Montréal. The transfer went through in December 2023, with a fee around €464,000.
D.C. United brought him in to shore up the defense and add experience at right back. Now, wearing #22, Herrera’s made an instant impact. His contract runs through December 2025, with an option for another year. You can track all the details on his player profile.
Previous Clubs and Progression
Herrera started out with Real Salt Lake, signing a Homegrown Player deal in December 2017 after coming up through their academy. He made his MLS debut in May 2018 and quickly earned a starting spot.
After several strong seasons with Real Salt Lake, he moved to CF Montréal in December 2022. Here’s a look at his club journey:
| Years | Club | Appearances | Major Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2022 | Real Salt Lake | 124+ | Right-back |
| 2023 | CF Montréal | 25+ | Defender |
| 2024– | D.C. United | Ongoing | Right-back |
Herrera’s reliable play and consistency convinced D.C. United to bring him in.
International Experience
Let’s talk about Aaron Herrera’s journey on the international stage. He kicked things off with a single appearance for the United States national team. Then in 2022, he made a bold move—he switched to represent Guatemala.
That decision? It opened the door for more consistent international minutes and a bigger leadership role. His dual citizenship—born in New Mexico, Guatemalan roots—gave him options most players only dream about.
Since making the switch, Herrera’s become a fixture in Guatemala’s defense. He brings that solid Major League Soccer experience right onto the international stage. If you want to dive deeper into his matches and stats, check out his Wikipedia page.
Leadership and Off-Field Influence
Aaron Herrera’s influence for D.C. United? Oh, it goes way beyond the ninety minutes. As a defender, he’s not just a role model on the pitch—he’s connecting with fans and giving back to the Washington, D.C. community.
Locker Room Presence
Inside the locker room, Herrera stands out for his calm, focused approach. You’ll hear teammates talk about his work ethic and that relentless drive for defensive discipline.
He leads by example—showing up early, sticking around after practice, and helping out the younger guys with drills. That’s the kind of leadership you can’t fake.
He doesn’t give those fiery speeches you might expect, but his teammates trust him. He organizes the backline and keeps everyone steady when the pressure’s on.
Herrera’s impact on team cohesion really jumps off the page:
| Season | Appearances | Assists | Goals | MLS All-Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28 | 6 | 1 | Yes |
His regular spot in the starting lineup and that MLS All-Star selection say a lot about his growing influence. For a squad balancing veterans and young talent, Herrera’s approach is that steady hand every locker room needs.
Community Engagement and Off-Pitch Activities
Herrera doesn’t just play for the city—he really invests in it. Off the pitch, you’ll spot him at local charity events and supporting youth soccer programs all over the District.
Fans see him not just as a player, but as someone who truly cares about the community. He regularly joins events for underprivileged kids and pops into local schools to talk about hard work and sticking with it.
Those visits? They help build real connections between the club and its supporters. Herrera’s more than just a name on the roster.
He also teams up with fellow players for fundraisers and outreach. That same dedication you see on match day shows up at community events, too. For D.C. United, that kind of commitment is the gold standard.
Future Prospects and Potential
Looking ahead, Aaron Herrera’s future with D.C. United is bright. He’s got a chance to make an even bigger impact on the team and maybe grab more attention beyond MLS.
Impact on D.C. United’s Long-Term Strategy
Herrera’s role is tough to overstate. He brings a blend of defensive grit and attacking support that’s rare for a right back.
In 2024, he’s notched one goal and six assists in 28 appearances. That’s the kind of production coaches love to see.
D.C. United locked him down through 2025, with an option for another year. They’re clearly building around his skill set, aiming for that elusive consistency along the back line.
Younger players watch him and learn, picking up on his professionalism and adaptability. Herrera’s going to be right at the heart of the team’s defensive plans as he hits his prime.
Herrera, D.C. United (2024 Season)
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Contract Expiry | 2025 |
| Age | 28 |
Want to dig into Herrera’s numbers? Head over to his DC United profile.
Potential for National and International Recognition
Alright, let’s talk about Herrera. He’s got dual citizenship, which is already a bit of a game-changer. He’s played for both the United States and Guatemala at the national level—how many guys can say that?
When Herrera suited up for Guatemala in tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup, he really turned some heads. He didn’t just show up; he helped push the team to places they hadn’t been before.
Now, his adaptability and steady play in MLS? That’s the sort of thing coaches and scouts notice, not just here but overseas too. If he keeps performing like this for D.C. United, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more international call-ups or maybe even a move abroad.
You look at the mix—rock-solid in the league, big moments on the international stage—and Herrera’s absolutely a player to keep an eye on. Especially with all these tournaments and qualifiers coming up, he’s right in the spotlight.
Want the details on his national team switch? You can check that out on Wikipedia.
