Russell Canouse made his 50th regular-season appearance for D.C. United in the 0-2 defeat against Atlanta United on July 21. As a youth player, Canouse began his career with the New York Red Bulls academy before switching to German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Canouse went on to make over 50 appearances Hoffenheim’s reserve team before making his Bundesliga debut on March 12, 2016. The defensive midfielder was then sent out on loan for the remainder of the 2016 season to Vfl Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga. Canouse scored one goal in 20 appearances for Vfl Bochum, while impressing with his composure on the ball and ability to control the game from the midfield.
Following a successful loan spell in Germany’s second division, the 24-year-old arrived in the nation’s capital and immediately inserted himself into the starting lineup. Canouse made his debut for the Black-and-Red on August 19, 2017, helping United to a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. In just his third game for the club, the Pennsylvania native was named to his first MLS Team of the Week for his performance in the 1-0 victory against the New England Revolution. On September 27, 2017, the midfielder recorded his first MLS assist to help United to a 3-3 tie against his youth club, New York Red Bulls. During his debut season, Canouse provided United with defensive stability in the midfield as he made 18 interceptions and 35 tackles in just 10 appearances.
In his first full season in MLS, Canouse played a vital role in helping D.C. United return to the playoffs. Canouse was injured to begin the season but returned to play in the final 20 matches, including the playoff defeat to Columbus Crew on November 1, 2018. The midfielder scored his first and only goal for the club in the 86th minute to help the Black-and-Red to a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on October 13, 2018. On four occasions during the 2018 season, Canouse was named in MLS Team of the Week.
Halfway through the 2019 season, Canouse has continued to shine in his defensive midfield role alongside Junior Moreno. Despite battling injuries at times this season, Canouse has managed to lead the team in tackles (53) and interceptions (30), while helping United to eight clean sheets. D.C. United rely on Canouse’s ability to disrupt opposing attacks in the midfield as he looks set to be a key contributor for the second half of the season and into the playoffs.
