Aaron Herrera seals long-term deal with RSL

When you see the coach is going to be on local radio, it’s usually a good idea to tune in.

In an interview on ESPN 700 with Spence Checketts, RSL coach Freddy Juarez broke news of a new deal for right back Aaron Herrera.

In the interview, Juarez described it as a “long-term agreement.” A press release from the club said he was signed to a four-year contract extension, which is significant.

“We’ve reached a long-term agreement with Aaron Herrera to stay with us for a few years,” Juarez said. “Being an academy player, a young player, has shown his value. He’s come to an agreement with the club.”

In the interview, Juarez said Herrera is representative of the club’s long-term goals.

“It’s exactly what you work for and why you have the academy,” he said. “You want to have that guy come in and win a position. ... Aaron’s happy here, he wants to continue to see RSL grow and make our team better. We’re excited, and I’m sure he’s pretty excited as well.”

Juarez closed with a bit of a tease.

“You guys are in for a treat in the next month or so, should be some good news,” he said.

Quotes follow from a club-issued release:

RSL general manager Elliot Fall

“Aaron has proven himself not only a key part of what we are doing, but a top young player in MLS,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said. “We are thrilled to have him committed to RSL for another four years.”

Aaron Herrera

“It means a lot to sign with my childhood club. I’m proud to be playing with my teammates, for the coaching staff and for the fans,” Herrera said. “It’s a good time for RSL and I feel like we have some unfinished business. I want to stay here and keep pushing this club to the limits with all the guys that are here and try to take this club to a new level.”

RSL coach Freddy Juarez

“Aaron is a very good 1v1 defender and adds consistency. The team voted him Defensive Player of the Year. That speaks for itself,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “We’re always happy with a player that can provide that at a young age. He’s shown a lot of maturity and quality over the last two years and he helps steady our back line. He has a very high ceiling and we’re going to continue working with him to help him grow.”

In other news, Juarez said the club is still in negotiations with RSL captain Kyle Beckerman.

“The club wants Kyle back,” Juarez said. “He’s out of a contract. Kyle and his party with the front office, there are options for Kyle. He’s someone that’s so important. The staff loves Kyle, I love Kyle. Kyle’s an important guy, he’s a legend, he’s a big part of putting a star on the jersey.”