After being called in to the U.S. Men's National Team's annual January Camp for the first time, United midfielder Russell Canouse is determined to make the most of the opportunity. A former standout with the U-20 national team, Canouse's first senior team call-up has given the 22-year-old added fire heading into preseason with the Black-and-Red. In addition to the call-up being Canouse's first, the experience has been made more special by the reconnecting of former youth national team teammates.
"It's exciting to be here with all the guys you grew up playing with," Canouse said. "I feel comfortable coming in [to January Camp] right away since I know a lot of the guys. I think everybody is excited—we've got a young group of guys, guys that I've grown up with, so it's special."
Canouse is one of 30 players Dave Sarachan, acting USMNT head coach, called into January Camp. Sarachan's new-look January Camp roster is clearly geared toward the future, with numerous young American talents receiving their first call-ups and striving toward their first caps. Fellow United midfielder Ian Harkes also received his first call-up from Sarachan, while 22-year-old Paul Arriola, despite having 15 caps to his name, further reflects the emphasis on youth.
"There are a lot of guys coming through the pipeline," Canouse said of the USMNT's future. "It's really neat following the process and the development of the players, and being able to see them finally reach the men's team. That's everyone's goal."
Now that Canouse has achieved his goal of receiving his first call-up, the 22-year-old will set his sights on his next two goals: earning his first cap, and carrying his momentum from January Camp into preseason with D.C. United. Much like the national team, the Black-and-Red are experiencing a youth influx—among United's summer transfer window signings were 22-year-old Canouse, 22-year-old Arriola, and 19-year-old Bruno Miranda, and the Black-and-Red's latest additions include 24-year-old Júnior Moreno and 24-year-old Ulises Segura. As they prepare to start their inaugural campaign at Audi Field, Canouse and United will look to use their newfound injection of youth to field an energetic and cohesive lineup with the potential to thrive for years to come.
"D.C. United have a lot going—it's going to be exciting this year with the new stadium and a lot of new players," Canouse said. "I actually found out Paul [Arriola] was being signed by the club the day I got signed, so it's really exciting to have past teammates involved in rebuilding the club and forming that new identity. This opportunity with the national team will give me the extra push going into preseason with United and the motivation to continue working my hardest and doing the best I can for our club."
While Canouse is eager to carry the lessons and experiences from his first January Camp into his first full season with United, the midfielder is also hoping to earn his first cap before returning for MLS preseason. The USMNT are set to take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in Carson, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, and Canouse is hungry to impress at camp and pick up his first career cap.
"I worked hard in the offseason, so I want to come into camp strong and impress the coaches, fans, and my teammates, and work hard for the country. I'm very blessed to have this opportunity so I want to go out and work my hardest, and hopefully get my first cap in the Bosnia & Herzegovina game."
