Off the Pitch with Aaron Herrera

Meet Black-and-Red defender, Aaron Herrera, a dynamic and versatile right back who has been a staple for the team this season, tallying one goal and six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. Herrera’s defensive prowess combined with his ability to create chances in the final third of the field earned him his first MLS All-Star appearance when he was selected to the 2024 MLS All-Star game earlier this year.

The Guatemalan National Team star has been a force down the right flank this year, so we sat down with the All-Star defender to discuss his first D.C. United season and his thoughts on Hispanic Heritage month.

What inspired you to start playing soccer, and who were your early role models?

Both of my parents. They both played soccer. My dad's dream was to play professionally, and that was cut short, but I would always go to his games growing up and my mom's. They were both forwards, so I always dreamed of playing forward at the start, but both of my parents inspired me to play and were my early role models.

What does it mean to play for D.C. United and what has been your most memorable moment of this season?

“One of my most memorable moments so far this season was when both Christian [Benteke] and I came into the locker room, and everyone surprised us with the All-Star selection. That was a special moment to see all the players and staff in the locker room congratulating us - that was a great moment. In terms of playing for D.C. United, it's huge. It’s a club with such great history and with us being the players to help start the rebuild of the club, and to try and get it back to where it was back in the day is something we all embrace, and we love the challenge of that.”

In your first season with D.C. United you made your first MLS All Star team. What does this accomplishment mean to you?

“To be honest, it doesn’t mean much to me because it’s a goal of mine each and every season to try and be an All-Star. Like I’ve said before, it’s nice to finally check the box off but for me, the individual accolades don’t mean too much to me. My main focus is to win a trophy with the club and being able to celebrate something like that with the team.”

You have had the honor of representing Guatemala on the international stage. What does it signify for you to represent your country, and what does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

“It means a lot more to me now that I’m more engulfed in that culture. Yeah, it's been nothing short of incredible to play for Guatemala, the country where my dad was born. They have embraced me from the start and the support has been incredible so making the switch was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve said it over and over again, but I love to be able to put that jersey on and play for them. Hispanic Heritage month means a lot to me. I have deep roots in Hispanic culture, and I have a ton of family members that still live in Guatemala. I’m talking about hundreds of family members that still live down there. I’m able to see a lot of them whenever I go down there so it’s great to be able to be more involved in the culture now that I’m playing for them [Guatemala] and I’m able to go down there more. I think a month like this is very important to celebrate and embrace the Hispanic cultures.”

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career that stands out to you?

“What stands out to me the most is my first start. It was back in Salt Lake at home against Colorado. The game before that, I got subbed in for like 30 seconds and that was my debut. I was actually supposed to debut in my first year in the league in the first game of the year but I ended up pulling my hamstring the week leading up to it. I wasn’t able to get back in to make my debut for a couple months after that so halfway through the season was when I made my debut. Then the next game I made my first start so I think that first start was kind of like my “I’m here” moment and I haven’t looked back since.”

Outside of soccer, what are your interests or hobbies, and how do they help you balance your life?

“I like to play video games with my friends. I love playing golf; we have a ton of golfers on the team so I’m out there golfing a couple of times a week when we are able to. Golf, video games, I like going to the gym. I just love playing sports outside of soccer. In terms of video games, I play Fortnite. That’s the only game I play. If the boys are on and we can get 2-4 guys on there then I’ll hop on. I’m never really playing by myself but it’s the only game I play.”

If you had a message to give D.C. United fans, what would it be?

“Firstly, we appreciate all the support this year. They’ve continued to show up through all the ups and downs this season. There’s been some tough stretches but they’re still out there at Audi Field, selling out the stadium if not getting pretty close to selling it out every game, so firstly we appreciate the support. Secondly, we hope that they continue to stick with us and hopefully we can show them our appreciation by making the playoffs this year and going forward into next year. We are building something great here with Troy [Lesesne], Zach [Prince], and the rest of the staff, and obviously the core group of players we’ve got here. Hopefully we can keep it together for next year and if we’re able to do that, I think next year and the years moving forward are going to be really special here.”