Loudoun, Va. (March 5, 2020) - D.C. United have signed Russell Canouse to a three-year contract extension. He will now be with the club through 2023.
“Russell has been an integral part of the club's success over the last two and a half seasons,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, said. “His competitive influence and versatility combined with his high soccer IQ have been invaluable to our group. We are delighted to extend his contract and look forward to more game-winning contributions in the future.”
Canouse has become a critical piece to the Black-and-Red lineup since his acquisition in Summer 2017. The 24-year-old has seen a majority of his time spent in the heart of the D.C. United midfield in a holding position where his defensive intuition, wide range of passing and tenacity have become a staple for the United side. Since 2017, Canouse has led the Black-and-Red in tackles won (101) and is second behind Steven Birnbaum (103) in interceptions (102). He is also third in possession won (338) and blocks (55) while he’s fourth in duels won (332). The midfielder has also filled in at the right back position due to injuries and has showcased his versatility to adapt well to the position. Overall, Canouse has scored two goals and recorded two assists in 57 appearances (53 starts) since his arrival. He also scored the Black-and-Red’s first goal of the 2020 MLS Season in the 2-1 defeat to Colorado on Feb. 29.
After a stellar 2018 season where Canouse scored one goal and recorded one assist in 20 appearances as the Black-and-Red logged one of the most impressive midseason turnarounds in league history, Gregg Berhalter called the midfielder into his first U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2019 January Camp but he has not made his debut for the USMNT yet.
The 24-year-old Lancaster, Pa. native joined the Black-and-Red from German Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer on Aug. 8, 2017. Canouse started in the German side’s youth academy in 2011 and made his Bundesliga debut on March 12, 2016. After making 51 appearances for the reserve team, Canouse was sent on loan in 2016 to 2. Bundesliga side Vfl Bochum. He made 20 appearances there in 2016, scoring one goal.
Player: Russell Canouse
Position: Midfielder
Birthplace: Lancaster, Pa.
Country: USA
Birthdate: 06/11/1995
Age: 24
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170
Status: Domestic
Transaction: D.C. United sign Russell Canouse to a three-year contract extension
