Juan Herrera Aims to Propel UUFC's New Season Charge With a Revitalized Competitive Edge

With the spring breeze blowing and the sun shining down on the pitch at Henninger High School, the true soccer season had begun. The Upstate United team, featuring Juanma Herrera, prepared for their inaugural pregame ahead of the 2025 season. Although he was warming up alongside new teammates, Herrera embraced the moment with a smile and confidence, eager for his second year with the club.

In the first Pregame against Torabora FC, Juanma Herrera lit up the field with a goal and an assist to Brandao Smaga. With that kind of production, the most reliable scorer from last season made a powerful statement.

“I felt very good in the first pregame. We have a very good team and a very intelligent coach,” Herrera said. “My mentality was always that we had to win and that I had to score at least one goal.”

Last season, Juanma scored 10 goals in 10 games, a record that placed him fifth in the club’s history. Now, as he embarks on his second season in the United States, he isn’t satisfied with replicating his past success; he’s determined to lead the team to the next level.

Born in Colombia, Herrera’s early athletic interests were grounded in track and field, which later bestowed him with remarkable speed. At 15, soccer entered his life as friends encouraged him to join in some informal matches. His father played an essential role during this period, teaching him the fundamentals and nurturing a raw talent that soon shone through on the field.

“I never had a sports training school,” Herrera said. “Everyone told me to play soccer because I was so fast, but I only knew how to run. I didn't know how to play. Over time, I learned. I learned very quickly.”

Despite the lack of early exposure that many of his peers experienced, Juanma’s natural talent quickly surfaced. Within two years of kicking a ball for the first time, Herrera's potential caught the attention of Union Jaguera FC, a local soccer club. After just a year, he made a bold move to the professional ranks, signing with Atletico Ibarra in Ecuador.

Driven by a desire to advance his career, Juanma chose to challenge himself in the United States after five years of professional soccer in Colombia and Ecuador. By the end of 2023, he arrived in America and explored different clubs, ultimately joining Upstate United FC the following year.

However, adapting to life in America proved challenging. Struggling with connections and the language barrier, Herrera’s wife, Ariel, said he had to make through “Inconsistent living arrangements” and “complicated American systems”. Yet, through these hardships, his resilience in pursuing his soccer dream never faded. Resembling to his short process of stepping onto the sport, Herrera again represented his quick learning.

“⁠His English has come a long way,” Ariel, an American who taught Herrera’s English since they met. “When he first came to the states, he only knew a few words and phrases. He learns very quickly, especially when he has the opportunities to learn and practice.”

Upon joining Upstate United, Juanma faced not only a new soccer culture but also a team environment where language posed a significant hurdle. Fortunately, he began to overcome these challenges with the assistance of the coaching staff and teammate Jonatan Zamora, a Spanish speaker who helped him bridge communication gaps both on and off the field.

“He made a significant effort to communicate with his teammates, showing both humility and leadership,” UUFC’s Executive Director Hanson Goeso said.

Simultaneously, the leadership at the club recognized Herrera’s immense efforts to integrate into the club. Goeso sought players with a strong work ethic and felt Herrera would be an excellent fit for the squad at that time.

“When I first met Juan, I was impressed by his determination and drive. Even though his soccer journey had started later than most, his enthusiasm and commitment were undeniable,” Goeso said.

Under Goeso’s mentorship, Herrera excelled in his debut season, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against United Elite Krajisnik FC, showcasing not only his skill but also the composure he developed over years of professional play. Throughout the 2024 season, he matured as both a player and a person, delivering 10 goals that underscored his value as a striker for the team while refining his competitive mindset.

“I think he shapes himself as a top-tier athlete who knows his talent but is also humble and doesn’t allow that talent to get to his head. He celebrates his victories with confidence and pride but also knows when to see others for their talent and efforts as well.”

Looking ahead, Herrera is determined to score more and help UUFC to achieve more in the league and other tournaments. Despite the club falling short last season, Herrera’s remarkable performance was a beacon of hope for the club moving forward this upcoming season.

“His growth as a player is exciting, and I believe he will continue to be a vital contributor to our success in the upcoming season,” Goeso said.

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