MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Acquires Defender Robbie Russell

Published on November 29, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2011) - D.C. United announced today that the club has acquired veteran defender Robbie Russell from Real Salt Lake in exchange for a 2013 MLS SuperDraft third round selection. Russell comes to the Black-and-Red following four seasons with RSL, where the 6'2" fullback played 78 regular season matches (68 starts).

"We are pleased to be adding a quality veteran defender in Robbie Russell," said General Manager Dave Kasper. "He has championship level experience in our League, and he will be a big addition to our squad moving into the 2012 season. We look forward to Robbie's contributions on and off the field."

Russell is famously remembered for scoring the championship-clinching penalty to earn Real Salt Lake its first title over the LA Galaxy at MLS Cup 2009 in Seattle. In four MLS campaigns with the Utah club, Russell was a regular contributor to RSL's defensive success, playing right back, center back and holding midfielder. During the 2011 season, Russell played in 26 matches for RSL (22 starts), recording two assists in 1,809 minutes of action. The 32-year-old went on to play in three matches (three starts) in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs before his team fell to eventual champion LA Galaxy.

Born in Ghana, Russell moved to the United States as teenager and grew up in Amherst, Mass. After a standout career at Duke University from 1997 to 2000, the physical player signed with Norwegian First Division side Sogndal I.L., establishing himself as one of the Tippeligaen's premier right backs during his tenure with the club. Russell scored four goals in 63 league appearances for Sogndal before moving on to top Norwegian club Rosenborg BK in 2004.

Russell became a starter at Rosenborg during the club's 2004 championship campaign, recording nine league appearances and four more in UEFA Champions League play. At the time, he was one of only a handful of American players to feature in Europe's premier club competition, playing against the likes of Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven. Injuries and a coaching change diminished Russell's playing time at Rosenborg during the latter part of his stint with the club, and he made only two league appearances during the 2005 and 2006 Tippeligaen campaigns.

From 2006 through 2008, Russell reestablished himself in Denmark for Superligaen side Viborg FF. In two seasons with the club, the defender played in 31 league contests. Russell was signed to RSL's senior roster on July 25, 2008, making 11 MLS appearances for the team in his first season. Versatility became a staple of Russell's time in Utah, with the well-traveled veteran playing across RSL's midfield and backline in 78 regular season matches and five postseason contests.

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