Aaron Herrera’s International Success Confirms RSL Academy Importance

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake defender Aaron Herrera showcased his quality on the international stage against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday evening, proving the importance of the RSL Academy.

Herrera, 23, joined a shortlist of RSL Academy products to represent the US national team. He debuted for the USMNT after years of proving himself in Major League Soccer. Following the 2020 MLS season, Herrera was voted the Defensive Player of the Year by his RSL teammates.

His rise to stardom has been a long journey filled with hard work and perseverance but began with the RSL Academy in Arizona as a teenager.

How it started: How it's going: pic.twitter.com/WoAaO2CUHw

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 1, 2021

Herrera first joined the RSL Academy in 2012 as a 15-year old teenager. He spent the next three years training for a professional soccer career to fulfill his adulthood. He then enrolled at the University of New Mexico and continued his development at the college ranks.

Following his junior season, Herrera traveled north to Salt Lake City where he signed his first professional soccer contract with RSL. Herrera was not an immediate starter for RSL, he was slowly integrated into the system and first had to prove his worth to the coaching staff.

However, over time, Herrera found himself as a key member of the RSL backline. In 2019, Herrera played 33 matches from a possible 34.

The 2020 season was a breakout moment for Herrera. His game had evolved and his confidence was growing rapidly.

Rumors have since emerged that Herrera has been generating interest from European clubs, including Italian first division Benevento Calcio.

The success of Herrera is meaningful for more than one reason. Not only does it put RSL back on the map and allows Herrera to further develop as a professional soccer player, but, it also helps the younger generation of kids training at the RSL Academy dream to one day be like Herrera and follow in his footsteps.

More 👏 for @aaronherrera_22 who also earns his #USMNT debut tonight! 🇺🇸

LINEUP NOTES: https://t.co/su11zU2cRk#USAvTRI | #StakeYourClaim pic.twitter.com/u8FmNobtur

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) January 31, 2021

It further solidifies the importance of an academy that produces quality soccer players. The academy is the lifeblood of the RSL organization, it was installed with the expectation that the next generation will be molded through the professional help of qualified coaches.

Herrera’s recent success is a great reminder that youth players have the ability to impact the game of soccer from a very young age. The RSL Academy continues its legacy as one of the premier academies in North America and will do so for as long as its players continue their climb up the soccer pedestal.