In their third addition of the summer transfer window, United acquired 22-year-old Russell Canouse from German Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Here's what you need to know about the young midfielder.
Local player
Canouse hails from Lancaster, Pa., where D.C. United were the hometown squad. "I grew up as a kid following D.C. United," Canouse remembered after signing. "Around seven or eight years old, my dad always used to take me to the games."
Now, Canouse has the opportunity to don the crest and fight for the team he idolized during his youth. "It's weird looking back on the past, following it as a kid and now it's actually become a reality."
D.C. United connections
Similar to the other new additions, Canouse comes to the District with connections on the Black-and-Red already. Fellow Lancaster native Travis Worra was Canouse's high school teammate for a year, and the midfielder has experience playing with Paul Arriola through the U.S. Men's National Team youth system.
Dominant holding midfielder
As Canouse continues his career with the Black-and-Red, he provides Ben Olsen's side valuable depth in an area United looked to improve upon this season. His ability to read the game and his physicality in the center of the pitch allow him to maintain possession and force turnovers, while his versatility makes him both an attacking piece and an able defender.
“Russell has great talent and vision, especially as a young player,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. “He is a strong, physical presence who has an acute ability to dictate play.”
