SALT LAKE CITY --
Just one week into the international transfer window, Real Salt Lake (6-6-6, 24 points, 1st place in the MLS Western Conference) today acquired American MF/DF Robbie Russell from Viborg FF of the Danish Superliga. Russell has played the past seven seasons in Scandinavia after being drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft out of the famed Duke University men's soccer program, where he was a four-time All-ACC selection.
"We are extremely pleased to be adding yet another talented, intelligent, and experienced American professional returning from abroad," said RSL Head Coach Jason Kreis, sharing the distinction of graduating from Duke University with not only Russell but also RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey. "Robbie is an athletic and dynamic player who can play multiple positions and will immediately add strength to our team core. We couldn't be happier to finally have this deal done."
Russell, 29, joins Real Salt Lake after playing 123 games in Norway and Denmark, highlighted by a pair of starts for Rosenborg BK in the 2004 UEFA Champions League. Russell adds incredible versatility to the RSL lineup, as the American international - invited to several U.S. National Team camps, but never capped - provides the capability of playing any spot along the backline and the wide or deep midfield spots.
"Russell is exactly the type of player we want," said GM Garth Lagerwey, noting that Russell is the best athlete in the history of the Duke University program. "He is an American player that has enjoyed success over in Europe and improved greatly. He brings speed, strength and smarts to a locker room full of all three."
Following a path similar to that of new RSL teammates Nat Borchers and Ian Joy, Russell is an American player who has spent a good portion of his professional career in Europe who now returns stateside as an experienced veteran, ready to contribute. Russell, born in Accra, Ghana, lived in Africa and Asia before moving to the United States, attending high school in Amherst, Mass., en route to Duke University. The 6-2, 195-lb. player will arrive in the Salt Lake area tomorrow and is expected to be available for selection in RSL's next MLS match on Monday vs. Toronto FC.
"I'm really excited about coming home to the United States, especially to Salt Lake," said Russell, as terms were agreed upon. "I have family in the area, and I know that RSL has a great atmosphere and great fans. The new Stadium has a phenomenal layout; it is top-quality, world-class, and it compares very well to European stadia."
After deciding to pursue a European career in lieu of joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2001, Russell spent three full seasons with Sogndal in Norway, making 63 appearances and scoring four goals before transferring mid-year in 2004 to legendary Norweigan club Rosenborg.
At Rosenborg, Russell played a total of 13 league games; nine in 2004, helping the team capture its 19th Tippeligaen title, but a knee injury and coaching changes limited his time prior to July, 2006, when he moved to Viborg in Denmark, where he appeared in 31 games for the Danish Superliga squad.
TRANSACTION: Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer) acquires midfielder/defender Robbie Russell from Viborg FF of the Danish Superliga.
