C.J. Sapong had his fair shares of ups and downs during his first season with the Philadelphia Union. After being traded from Sporting Kansas City, the former MLS Rookie of the Year embarked on a career in Philadelphia that proved to be a season of both adversity and triumph. Now, with the 2016 season just around the corner, the striker is looking to grow from last year’s experiences and continue his success.
Sapong’s playing career in Philadelphia certainly did not get off to the best start. Fans will remember with just minutes left in the first half of the season opener, Sapong went down with a concussion and a broken bone in his face. The injury was devastating, but only kept him off the field for three games, and he was back in action in time to face his former club on April 5th, 2015.
Sapong played the entirety of the Union’s April schedule, logging one goal and an assist, but it was the first of May 2015 that turned his season around. Sapong was suspended by MLS indefinitely, which resulted in a three-week absence, after being pulled over for D.U.I. The striker was once again sidelined.
The Union went 1-2 without Sapong for the three games he missed, but when he returned he seemed more focused than ever. On May 24th Sapong scored his second goal of the season in the Union’s 2-0 victory over rival New York Red Bulls. After returning from his suspension, Sapong went on to score eight of his team-high nine goals of the 2015 season.
Anyone who has met Sapong knows of his effervescent charisma and sincere character. A true existentialist, Sapong is thankful for the adversity that came his way last year.
“I’m completely grateful for that. I think before all of those things took place I had an understanding of where I was as a player and a person, and not saying I was far off but it’s always good to gain a little perspective and that’s what led me to have success after those situations”, Sapong said at Union media day.
“I surrendered to my internal issues that maybe I wasn’t looking at before and coming back I was able to emanate more of a cohesive energy to my teammates that in turn made me feel my own validation and play at the best of my ability”, he added.
Sapong’s 2015 season should not be highlighted by the obstacles that he faced, but rather his ability to navigate through them. In the 27 games he played for the Union not only did he led the team in goals, but was also third in assists (four), and most notably tied a franchise record for goals in consecutive games by scoring in three of the team’s four games last June. Earlier this month, the team announced that they had signed Sapong to a three-year deal, citing his energy and finishing abilities as reason to committing to the striker.
A new season is fast approaching, and Sapong is feeling confident heading into his second year with the Union – saying he is feeling fit and “his spirits are high”. Between his spirited disposition and his undisputed talent on the field, Sapong is geared up to be a solid contributor for the Union once again.
This is the eighth installment of the 2016 Philadelphia Union season preview. All month at PhiladelphiaUnion.com, we'll be breaking down what lies ahead with the season less than one month away. This week, we're looking at the Union's forwards and wingers with a complete positional breakdown this weekend. What's on your mind for C.J. Sapong in the 2016 season?
