A. Herrera, D.C. United Defender #22: Career, Style & Impact

You watch him glide down the right side of the pitch, timing each tackle and cross with a precision that’s easy to take for granted. A. Herrera, wearing #22 for D.C. United, injects energy and consistency into every match.

He’s a defender who mixes tactical awareness with a surprising bit of creativity, shaping the rhythm of his team’s back line.

Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Herrera worked his way up from the University of New Mexico, showing a mix of discipline and adaptability. His journey from college standout to professional mainstay says a lot about steady growth and how it can define a career.

Now he anchors D.C. United’s defense and has become a key part of the club’s identity. He doesn’t just stick to club play either—he represents Guatemala on the international stage.

Each appearance adds another chapter to a story built on focus, reliability, and a kind of quiet leadership that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking.

Profile of A. Herrera: D.C. United Defender #22

Herrera blends steady defense with sharp attacking instincts. His background, position, and jersey number all hint at how Aaron Herrera built his career into a reliable presence for both club and country.

Personal Background

Aaron Joseph Herrera was born on June 6, 1997, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He grew up with both American and Guatemalan heritage, eventually choosing to represent Guatemala after making one appearance for the United States.

Maybe you remember him from his college days at the University of New Mexico. He developed there as a standout right back, and that experience definitely prepared him for the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Herrera joined D.C. United in December 2023, stepping in as a consistent starter. At 28 years old, he stands 1.80 meters tall and weighs about 70 kilograms—pretty much the ideal mix of speed and strength for his spot.

His career path moves through youth academies, college soccer, and the pros. That mix of experience helped him adjust fast to D.C. United’s system and the demands of MLS.

Personal Info	Details
Full Name	Aaron Joseph Herrera
Birth Date	June 6, 1997
Birthplace	Las Cruces, New Mexico
Height	1.80 m
Nationality	Guatemala, United States
College	University of New Mexico

Playing Position and Style

Herrera patrols the right flank with real discipline and purpose. He plays as a right-back, often pushing forward to help launch attacks, but never forgets his defensive duties.

At D.C. United, he’s known for his versatility and work rate. Herrera combines strong tackling with accurate crossing, creating chances from wide areas. He reads the game well, often anticipating runs and intercepting passes.

In 2025, Herrera played over 28 matches across all competitions, notching one goal and six assists—that’s straight from D.C. United’s official profile. He’s become one of the team’s most reliable defenders.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2025	D.C. United	28	1	6

He relies on sharp positioning rather than showy moves. You can see how he times his overlapping runs and hustles back, always keeping that balance between defense and attack. That’s really what defines his value to the team.

Jersey Number Significance

Herrera wears number 22 for D.C. United, and by now that number feels like part of who he is. You’ll spot him on the right side, the “22” easy to pick out as he charges forward or shuts down an opposing winger.

For plenty of players, a number is just a detail. But for Herrera, it’s a thread of continuity. He’s worn #22 through different stages of his pro career, even before D.C. United.

The number fits—steady, supportive, dependable. It doesn’t scream for attention, just like his playing style. “22” has become shorthand for a player who values consistency over flash.

Fans recognize the number as a little symbol of Herrera’s reliability. Whether he’s wearing Guatemala’s colors or playing for D.C. United, that jersey means the same thing: disciplined effort and a kind of quiet leadership.

Career Path and Club History

Herrera’s story is one of steady growth, smart choices, and consistent performances. From a college standout in New Mexico to a pro in MLS, he’s followed a path built on discipline and skill.

Youth and College Development

Herrera built his foundation in Las Cruces, New Mexico, developing technical skills and defensive awareness. He joined the Real Salt Lake Academy, where he got early exposure to pro-level coaching and competition.

He later played for the University of New Mexico, quickly becoming a regular starter for the Lobos. His college career featured strong defensive play and a knack for pushing forward. Coaches loved his balance of reliability and creativity on the right.

By his junior year, he’d earned conference honors and national attention. His performances made him one of the top defensive prospects heading into MLS. That mix of athleticism and tactical sense made him a natural pick for a Homegrown Player contract.

Real Salt Lake Tenure

Herrera started his pro career with Real Salt Lake as a Homegrown Player in 2018. He quickly became a regular, almost always playing right back. His consistency and work rate earned respect across the league.

He built a reputation for accurate crosses and strong one-on-one defending. In 2021, he led MLS defenders in assists, racking up 11—the most by an RSL defender in club history, per MLSsoccer.com.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2018–2022	Real Salt Lake	124	1	19	10,000+

Each year in Salt Lake, he got better. Fans saw a player who could lock down the defense and still contribute to the attack—a rare combo for a fullback.

Transition to D.C. United

Herrera’s move to D.C. United marked a fresh chapter. He joined before the 2023 season, bringing experience to a roster in transition. Wearing number 22, he slotted right into the team’s system.

His first season in Washington included 28 appearances, one goal, and six assists (D.C. United). He combined defensive stability with attacking support, quickly becoming a key piece on the right side.

Herrera’s play earned him a spot in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game—a nod to his consistency and leadership. He keeps evolving, using lessons from New Mexico and Salt Lake to anchor D.C. United’s back line and create chances upfield.

Performance at D.C. United

You can see Herrera’s value in how he balances defense and attack for D.C. United. He’s steady at right back, with strong tackling and precise passing making him one of the team’s most reliable defenders.

A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Herrera brings a maturity and consistency that really shapes the team’s back line.

Defensive Contributions

Herrera’s defensive game stands out for timing and positioning. He tracks opposing wingers closely, using quick footwork and smart body angles to cut off passing lanes.

He reads plays early and often prevents dangerous crosses or shots before they even happen. On average, he racks up several tackles and interceptions per match, often leading the team in clearances.

His one-on-one defending stays composed, and he rarely takes unnecessary risks. Herrera’s work rate lets him recover quickly and support the center backs when the play shifts inside.

Here’s a quick look at his defensive stats from MLS play:

Category	2024 Season	Career MLS Total
Tackles Won	34	210
Clearances	60	420
Interceptions	28	195
Fouls Committed	14	110

His calm presence under pressure gives teammates the confidence to push forward, knowing he’s covering the right side.

Offensive Impact and Assists

Herrera’s attacking instincts show up in his support for the midfield and forwards. He often overlaps down the right, sending in low crosses that create scoring chances. In the 2024 season, he recorded one goal and six assists across all competitions (D.C. United’s team page).

His passing stays accurate, especially in the final third. Herrera’s quick switches of play stretch defenses and open up space for attackers. He times his runs well, often arriving late in the box to deliver key passes or shots.

Watching him play, the balance between defense and attack really stands out. He rarely leaves his position exposed, showing a discipline that benefits the whole team.

Key Matches and Highlights

Herrera shines in tight matches. In a recent 2–2 draw with Philadelphia Union, he played all 90 minutes, racking up multiple tackles and spot-on long passes (BeSoccer). His consistency in those moments shows his value beyond the stat sheet.

There’s that key assist against Chicago, too—his cross set up a late equalizer, showing his calm under pressure and precise technique.

He once led MLS defenders in assists during a season with Real Salt Lake (MLSsoccer.com). That attacking mindset is still on display at D.C. United, where his creativity matches his defensive reliability.

Every match adds to his reputation as a complete right back who contributes everywhere on the field.

International Career with the Guatemalan National Team

You’ve seen Aaron Herrera go from a U.S. prospect to a key defender for Guatemala. His decision to play for Guatemala changed his international path and gave him a new sense of pride. Since then, his appearances have shown consistency, leadership, and a growing role in big regional tournaments.

National Team Switch and Motivation

Herrera first played for the United States at youth levels and made a senior debut in 2021. But with limited opportunities, he decided in 2023 to represent the Guatemalan national team. Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with Guatemalan roots, he saw the switch as a way to connect with his heritage and make a bigger impact.

It’s easy to see why that appealed to him. Guatemala offered regular international play and a leadership role that matched his MLS experience. In interviews, he called the switch his “best decision,” saying he felt real pride in wearing Guatemala’s colors and helping lift the national program.

He debuted in a 1–0 friendly win over Costa Rica on June 15, 2023. Since then, he’s become a regular starter, valued for his defensive awareness and ability to push forward from the right.

Career Snapshot Before and After Switch

Team	Debut Year	Caps	Goals	Notable Match
United States	2021	1	0	vs Trinidad and Tobago
Guatemala	2023	6+	0	vs Costa Rica

Major Tournaments and Appearances

You’ve probably caught glimpses of Herrera’s impact during Guatemala’s recent runs. He played in the CONCACAF Nations League and joined the squad for the Gold Cup, where he went up against teams like Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

He’s brought his defensive positioning and calm mindset to Guatemala’s back line. Coaches lean on his MLS experience to help younger teammates and keep things organized against quicker opponents.

Herrera mixes physical discipline with smart passing—kind of a rare combo, honestly. That approach has helped Guatemala tighten up defensively in regional matches. He’s been steady for D.C. United, and those same qualities make him a dependable right back for Guatemala as they chase World Cup dreams.

If you want to check out his stats or club info, Transfermarkt has the details. For his national team record, Soccerway keeps a running tally.

Playing Style and Strengths

Aaron Herrera’s game stands out for how he balances defense and attack. You’ll notice his reliability in one-on-one duels and how he whips in accurate crosses—he’s a right-back D.C. United can trust.

Defensive Skills and Versatility

Herrera reads plays early, showing real defensive awareness. He positions himself to cut off passing lanes and often forces attackers wide.

His timing in tackles breaks up counterattacks before they get dangerous. With a 180 cm frame, he wins plenty of duels both in the air and on the ground.

He keeps his cool under pressure, and you rarely see him give away fouls in tough spots. When he gets caught high, his recovery speed lets him hustle back quickly.

Herrera can slot in across the back line, which gives coaches some options. His college days at the University of New Mexico sharpened his technical skills and decision-making.

Defensive Metric	2024 MLS Season*
Tackles per game	2.1
Interceptions per game	1.4
Clearances per game	2.7
Aerial duels won	63%

*Approximate averages based on MLS data and Sofascore.

Attacking Play and Crossing Ability

Herrera likes to push forward with intent. His overlapping runs stretch defenses, giving wingers and midfielders more room to operate.

He picks his moments to go upfield, making sure he doesn’t leave his team exposed. When he gets the chance, Herrera’s right foot delivers sharp, driven crosses.

A lot of D.C. United’s wide attacks start with his service, whether it’s from deep or right by the corner flag. His accuracy lets forwards attack the ball in stride.

He’s also involved in buildup play, linking short passes to keep possession. If he has space, he’ll switch play with a long diagonal ball. WhoScored highlights his crossing and passing range as major strengths.

Transfers, Contracts, and Market Value

When you look at Aaron Herrera’s career, you see a path shaped by steady growth and some smart moves in MLS. His transfers show how General Allocation Money (GAM) and player swaps can really shape rosters in a league with salary caps.

Major Transfers and Trades

Herrera kicked off his pro career with Real Salt Lake, signing as a Homegrown Player in 2017 after his time at the University of New Mexico. His strong defense and ability to set up goals made him a valuable trade asset.

In December 2023, D.C. United picked up Herrera from CF Montréal, sending defender Ruan and $500,000 in 2024 GAM the other way, according to D.C. United. They needed a right-back who could get up and down the field, and Herrera fit the bill.

Before joining D.C. United, Herrera played over 130 MLS games with Real Salt Lake and 23 with CF Montréal. His market value sits around €2 million, per Transfermarkt.

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Real Salt Lake	2018–2022	132	1	19
CF Montréal	2023	23	0	2
D.C. United	2024–Present	—	—	—

Contract Details and GAM Deals

Herrera’s current contract with D.C. United lasts until December 31, 2025, according to Flashscore. He counts as a domestic player, which honestly helps with roster flexibility under MLS rules.

D.C. United used the $500,000 GAM from the trade to stay under the salary cap and still bring in a proven starter. GAM works as a league tool, letting clubs sign or trade for players without blowing past spending limits.

At 28, Herrera keeps showing up with steady performances, and that’s why his value sits near the top for MLS defenders. His experience, versatility, and time with Guatemala’s national team make him a solid asset—both on the field and on the books.