Russell Canouse makes Bundesliga debut in Hoffenheim victory

The pipeline of talent from southeastern Pennsylvania to Germany now appears complete.

Six weeks after the surprising Bundesliga debut of 17-year-old Hershey, Pennsylvania native Christian Pulisic at Borussia Dortmund, a fellow Keystone Stater from just 30 miles down the road has joined him.

Just yesterday we learned of Lancaster, PA-native Russell Canouse's promotion to TSG Hoffenheim's first team. Today he not only made the club's game day roster, but was quickly thrust into game action, making his Bundesliga debut.

Canouse got the call in the 67th minute of play with Hoffenheim leading VfL Wolfsburg 1-0. He replaced midfielder Fabian Schär and assumed a central defensive role. As Hoffenheim was clearly intent to kill off the game, Canouse performed his role efficiently.

There was little to evaluate in term of attacking contribution given the game situation, but the 20-year-old U20 World Cup veteran was sound in his decision-making. He successfully completed 7 of 8 pass attempts, and helped Hoffenheim lock down a massive three points against a difficult opponent.

With just eight games remaining in the season, Hoffenheim pulls within three points of clearing the relegation zone, in what is shaping up to be a desperate five-way battle for survival. It appears a young American will now be playing a very unexpected role in that fight.