Midfielder Russell Canouse has been named to MLS' Week 22 Team of the Week following his strong performance against the Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on July 28. The match was Canouse's first start of the 2018 season, and gave the Lancaster native an important opportunity to strengthen the midfield following the short turnaround from Wednesday's game.
Canouse showed fans what he exhibited throughout the second half of the 2017 season after he joined D.C. United in the summer transfer window—his relentless work ethic, his vision when sending forward the attack, and his skill at forcing turnovers and shutting down counter attack opportunities.
The midfielder finished the night with 85% passing accuracy, five duels won, two tackles, two interceptions, and one chance created in 87 minutes played. While his added presence was most noticeable on the defensive side of the ball, Canouse also showed aggression in front of goal, working his way into the final third and nearly scoring in the 23rd minute.
"He is physical, relentless and a fighter, so it was nice to have that out there tonight," head coach Ben Olsen said of Canouse following Saturday's match.
This is Canouse's second career MLS Team of the Week honor—the midfielder was named to the 2017 Week 25 Team of the Week following United's 1-0 win over the New England Revolution.
See below for the full Team of the Week.
F: Ibrahimovic (LA), Martinez (ATL)
M: Barrios (DAL), Giovinco (TOR), Dockal (PHI), Canouse (D.C.), Davies (VAN)
D: Afful (CLB), Mavinga (TOR), Kim (SEA)
GK: Frei (SEA)
Bench: Johnson (NYC), Kashia (SJ), Hedges (DAL), Moralez (NYC), Mullins (CLB), Wright-Phillips (RBNY), Adi (POR)
Coach: Brian Schmetzer (SEA)
