Player Details

Name

Russell Canouse

Pronunciation

Can-ouse (house)

Height

5' 10"

Weight

159 lbs

Date of Birth

6.11.1995 (29)

Birthplace

Lancaster, PA, USA

Position

Midfielder

Footedness

Right

Roster Category

Senior
Career Summary

MLS Experience

2021: Canouse, in his fifth season with the Black-and-Red, continued to be a consistent figure in the United midfield. The 26-year-old started in the 2-1 win in the opening match of the season against New York City FC and was selected in the MLS Team of the Week for week 1 after his performance. After playing 90 minutes the following match against New England, he sustained an injury that kept him out of the side until his return against Philadelphia on May 24. He played the following seven games before missing seven games with an ankle injury. Canouse returned to the lineup on Aug. 22 against Atlanta United FC and played in 12 of the Black-and-Red’s final 14 matches. In 2021, the midfielder made 21 appearances and starts, scored one goal, recorded two assists, and maintained a passing accuracy of 80.66% in 1,716 minutes played.

2020: As one of D.C. United’s most versatile players, Canouse played in various positions in the 16 appearances he made for the Black-and-Red. Canouse played in his most comfortable central midfield position as well as seeing time at center back and right back due to injuries. Canouse scored D.C. United’s first goal of the season in their opening match against the Colorado Rapids on Feb. 29. The midfielder made 15 appearances and starts, scored two goals, and logged 1,233 minutes.

2019: In 2019, Canouse set a career high with 26 appearances (25 starts) for the Black-and-Red. The midfielder once again was impressive with the ball at his feet as he recorded a passing accuracy of 86%. Towards the end of the season, Canouse was tasked with playing out of position at right back due to injuries in the defense. Canouse made a seamless transition and was a part of the defense that set a club record of five consecutive clean sheets to close the regular season. The 24-year-old finished the season with the most tackles on the team (69) as he played a major role in helping United to a league high 14 clean sheets.

2018: In his second year in D.C., Canouse proved to be a crucial part of the United's success in the midfield. After an extended period out of the line-up due to injury, Canouse made his first appearance of the year as a substitute on July 14 against Vancouver in the Audi Field inaugural match. After two more appearances off the bench, Canouse returned to the starting lineup on July 28 during the 2-1 win over Colorado. Canouse went on to start the rest of United’s remaining 18 games, which included his first career playoff start in the defeat to Columbus on Nov. 1. In Canouse’s 17 MLS regular season starts, the midfielder played 90 minutes in all but two games. The Lancaster, Pa., native scored his first goal for the Black-and-Red on Oct. 13 against FC Dallas. His 86th minute header clinched an important 1-0 victory in the Black-and-Red’s playoff hunt. Canouse finished the year with a stellar 89% passing accuracy, making him one of the most accurate passers in the league. Due to his performances, Canouse was named to the MLS Team of the Week on four occasions.

2017: Canouse provided United with defensive stability in the midfield after he arrived in D.C. on Aug. 9, 2017. The Pennsylvania, native started 10 matches for United, playing 90 minutes in eight of the appearances. Canouse made his MLS debut on Aug. 19 against Colorado, providing the team with two interceptions, three tackles and creating two chances. In Week 25, Canouse was named to the MLS Team of the Week after helping the Black-and-Red earn a shutout win over Eastern Conference rivals, the New England Revolution on Aug. 26. Canouse recorded his first career MLS assist against the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 27 by providing the final pass for Patrick Mullins’ 70th-minute goal.

2016: Canouse was put on loan in 2016 to 2. Bundesliga side Vfl Bochum, where he made 20 appearances, scoring one goal. Before the loan, Canouse made 51 appearances for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's reserve side. 

Previous Experience

The 22-year-old started his youth career in the New York Red Bulls academy before moving to Germany with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's youth academy in 2011. After making 51 appearances for the reserve team he made his Bundesliga debut with the first team on March 12, 2016. Canouse was sent out on loan in 2016 to 2. Bundesliga side Vfl Bochum. The midfielder made 20 appearances with Bochum in 2016, scoring one goal. A versatile midfielder who can also play on the right side of defense, Canouse returned to the East Coast after seven years in Germany.

International Experience 

Canouse represented the United States U-20 national team at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2015. The midfielder made five appearances (4 starts) and captained the United States in their final match of the tournament. Canouse received his first call up to the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2018 January camp, though he never made an appearance for the senior team.

Acquired

August 8, 2017: Acquired from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer and signed to a multi-year contract.