DC United has announced today that the club has acquired veteran defender Robbie Russell from Real Salt Lake for a first round pick in the 2013 Supplemental Draft.
Real Salt Lake Trades Robbie Russell To D.C. United For Draft Pick
The Black-and-Red trade for a veteran defender, only giving up a supplemental draft pick.
Russell comes to DC following four seasons with RSL, where he played 78 regular season matches (68 starts). Some may remember Russell as the player who finished off the Los Angeles Galaxy in the penalty-kick shootout in the 2009 MLS Cup.
Russell will be a versatile player for Ben Olsen as he can play the fullback role, as well as defensive midfielder or center back. During the 2011 season, Russell played in 26 matches for RSL (22 starts), recording two assists in 1,809 minutes of action.
The right-back was eligible for the Re-Entry Draft - beginning next week - since he was out of contract. DC was able to snag the veteran defender before allowing other clubs to work out a new contract with him in the Re-Entry process.
The Black-and-Red basically gave up next to nothing to get Russell as well. A first round pick in the Supplemental Draft isn’t expected to be a player that contributes much to a club these days in MLS.
RSL on the other hand opens up a bit of cap-space now that Russell is off the books. The 31-year old fullback made $134-thousand in total compensation in 2011. Getting that off the books will be a huge help for a club that will be headed back to the CONCACAF Champions League in 2012.
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