Democracy Dies in Darkness
Soccer

Aaron Herrera, a ‘modern defender,’ sees a resurgence with D.C. United

Herrera, 26, has fit nicely into first-year coach Troy Lesesne’s proactive schemes

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In his first season in Washington, Aaron Herrera is tied for the team lead in assists with four. (Amber Searls/USA TODAY Sports)
5 min

When Aaron Herrera has a bad day on the soccer field — and there have not been many in his first season with D.C. United — he gains perspective by thinking about his parents, who work in New Mexico law enforcement.

“There are days where I’m coming in and I’m in a bad mood,” he said Thursday. “I’ve got to come play soccer? It’s crazy. They are down there in New Mexico. It’s dangerous. When I was younger, every time my dad was leaving for work, you don’t know if he’s going to make it back.”