CONCACAF Nations League

Russell Canouse Is Hungry For Greater Role On US Men's National Team

Russell Canouse Is Hungry For Greater Role On US Men's National Team

DCU's Russell Canouse talked to FloFC about this winter's January camp with the USMNT, preseason with United, and the upcoming game against Atlanta United.

Mar 1, 2019 by Steven Streff
Russell Canouse Is Hungry For Greater Role On US Men's National Team

In January 2018, USA men’s national team interim coach Dave Sarachan called Russell Canouse into January camp, looking to see what the young, D.C. United midfielder could add to the program. That call-in didn’t end with a cap for Canouse, though, as he picked up an injury, and wouldn’t see the field again until July. 

When he did return, Canouse was a force on the field for the Black-and-Red in the back half of 2018, as United climbed out of the league cellar and into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. His play earned him a spot in this year’s January camp, under new coach Gregg Berhalter. But even though the US had two games, Canouse didn’t see the field in either, meaning he’d have to wait for another chance to earn his first cap.

“I was disappointed with the chances I got. I didn’t feel like I got a complete chance,” Canouse told FloFC on Thursday after D.C. United’s practice. “But it was good to be back with the national team.”

Canouse was an unused substitute in the first game of the camp, against Panama. In the second game, against Costa Rica, the former Hoffenheim midfielder didn’t even make the bench. That doesn’t bode well for Canouse’s chances to make this summer’s Gold Cup squad, but the midfielder still took plenty away from being at the camp itself.

“Getting into camp was good. The training was at a high level. There were a lot of details thrown at us, which was good. Gets you to think about different stuff,” added Canouse. “[It was a] way to develop your game further, and learn a new system. Gets you to bring things back to the club level.”

Back with United, Canouse had a couple of preseason games to get back into the groove entering his third season with the club. Canouse stepped in and immediately paired back up with Junior Moreno, the duo which helped United’s turnaround as defensive midfielders last year. 

Preseason didn’t end well on the field for United, who lost their last game to Montreal, 3-0. But Canouse, like most of the starters, got a full 90 minutes, getting them in the best possible situation ahead of Sunday’s tilt against Atlanta United.

“I think the Montreal game, getting 90 minutes, was nice,” said Canouse. “That last 30 minutes is where you have to fight to get over the hump of the fitness level. Overall the preseason went well, and we’re excited to play Atlanta.”

That game against Atlanta will feature a new coach and playmaker for the defending MLS Cup champions. Tata Martino left to manage the Mexican national team, while Miguel Almiron joined Newcastle United in England, as he smashed the outgoing transfer fee record for MLS. In their place though, came in Frank de Boer and Pity Martinez, the latter who was recently named as the South American Player of the Year, with River Plate winning the Copa Libertadores.

Otherwise, Atlanta returned most of their other contributors for the new season. There will be slight tactical changes for the Five Stripes, but Canouse says that he knows what to expect of Atlanta, as United look to win their first opening day game since 2015.

“Atlanta is always a dangerous team. They are a little bit different team, as they don’t have Miguel Almiron, who is speedy and can break you down with runs in behind,” said Canouse. “But Pity is a quality player, he can jump in there and brings the same amount of potential and quality that Almiron did.”