D.C. United Coach Ben Olsen surprised opponents and fans alike two weekends ago in Montreal when he decided to start Russell Canouse at right back, a position he last played in 2016 on another continent.
Canouse was there again in the second half of the friendly against Puebla last week at Buzzard Point. And following the team’s weekend off, the tried-and-true defensive midfielder appears to be Olsen’s first choice to start on the back line in Portland on Sunday.
“I prefer central midfield, but I’m willing to adjust to help the team any way I can,” Canouse said Tuesday.