2026-02-02, 02:47 PM - Word count:
Career PT #1
Sydney City.
15 Appearances. 1 Man of the Match. 28 Key Passes (7th). 17 Chances Created (T-3rd). 27 Dribbles (7th). 29 Tackles (7th). 1 Motivational Speech.
Life in Sydney was a slow start. Most of the academy slots had been divided up in such a way to send players to the team closest to their homes, often with other players who maybe shared more similar culture, language, or, perhaps, just a regional birthplace. Daniel Herrera, though, ended up somewhere on the other side of the planet from his native Mexico, in perhaps the one country in the world without so much as an authentic taqueria. The lone American (that is, anyone born anywhere in the Americas) on that S20 Sydney City squad.
Herrera found himself to be quiet, reserved, but hopeful that though his usual trademark work ethic and drive he could make a name for himself in his new (if temporary) home. Sydney started their first game on the bump, and while Daniel didn't really show out, he didn't really embarrass himself either. But, shortly after that first game, Sydney brought in another American - A Brazilian, Sandro da Silva. Sandra's natural position was as a wingback, and so was Herrera's. Who knows how exactly it was decided (CERTAINLY no machismo involved), but the two mutually agreed to have Herrera switch to a midfield position, playing out on the wing as he once did in his youth. All was well, and the American side of the pitch saw quite a bit of action throughout the remainder of the season. Sometimes, that cultural familiarity is important, even if the language is different.
Daniel worked hard on the pitch, often sinking back defensively to cover for da Silva's runs, a mutually agreeable venture that saw Sydney skyrocket through the season, landing themselves in the finals.
Moments before stepping onto the pitch, Daniel Herrera spoke up for perhaps the first time, offering up a motivational speech based on something he had internalized from a coach in his youth.
"Greatness isn't something the average person can achieve. You can be above average, you can be good, heck, you can be the best. But to be great requires devotion and focus. You have to want it. More than that, you have to take it.
Greatness is not a status that is given to you, or a reward for success. It's a mindset. It's a routine. It's a habit. It's a promise to yourself.
No matter what happens today, you have to dare to be great!"
And with a raucous cheer, Sydney City hit the pitch and, well, the rest is history.
(436 words)
Sydney City.
15 Appearances. 1 Man of the Match. 28 Key Passes (7th). 17 Chances Created (T-3rd). 27 Dribbles (7th). 29 Tackles (7th). 1 Motivational Speech.
Life in Sydney was a slow start. Most of the academy slots had been divided up in such a way to send players to the team closest to their homes, often with other players who maybe shared more similar culture, language, or, perhaps, just a regional birthplace. Daniel Herrera, though, ended up somewhere on the other side of the planet from his native Mexico, in perhaps the one country in the world without so much as an authentic taqueria. The lone American (that is, anyone born anywhere in the Americas) on that S20 Sydney City squad.
Herrera found himself to be quiet, reserved, but hopeful that though his usual trademark work ethic and drive he could make a name for himself in his new (if temporary) home. Sydney started their first game on the bump, and while Daniel didn't really show out, he didn't really embarrass himself either. But, shortly after that first game, Sydney brought in another American - A Brazilian, Sandro da Silva. Sandra's natural position was as a wingback, and so was Herrera's. Who knows how exactly it was decided (CERTAINLY no machismo involved), but the two mutually agreed to have Herrera switch to a midfield position, playing out on the wing as he once did in his youth. All was well, and the American side of the pitch saw quite a bit of action throughout the remainder of the season. Sometimes, that cultural familiarity is important, even if the language is different.
Daniel worked hard on the pitch, often sinking back defensively to cover for da Silva's runs, a mutually agreeable venture that saw Sydney skyrocket through the season, landing themselves in the finals.
Moments before stepping onto the pitch, Daniel Herrera spoke up for perhaps the first time, offering up a motivational speech based on something he had internalized from a coach in his youth.
"Greatness isn't something the average person can achieve. You can be above average, you can be good, heck, you can be the best. But to be great requires devotion and focus. You have to want it. More than that, you have to take it.
Greatness is not a status that is given to you, or a reward for success. It's a mindset. It's a routine. It's a habit. It's a promise to yourself.
No matter what happens today, you have to dare to be great!"
And with a raucous cheer, Sydney City hit the pitch and, well, the rest is history.
(436 words)
