Philadelphia Union center-forward C.J. Sapong, attempting to gain distance from D.C. United center-back Steve Birnbaum (Photo Credit: Jennifer Jordan-Harrell Photography)
I got a chance to have a few words with Philadelphia Union striker C.J. Sapong before the onset of the 2016 MLS season. We have watched the Union’s promising off-season. Many new faces have showcased their skills and have given Coach Jim Curtin and the Union faithful something to think about.
C.J. Sapong is not one of the new faces for the Union in 2016. He graduated from James Madison University in 2010, and was Sporting Kansas City’s 10th pick overall in the MLS SuperDraft. 2015 was Sapong’s first season with the Union, when he scored 9 goals in 31 games.
I started out by asking C.J. how he was planning on improving his game in 2016. He replied that he was focusing on improving his passing and link up play.
Last season, we saw C.J. play as a striker as well as a left winger. C.J. explained, “I like both situations. It allows me to mix up the defense and create opportunities. I like dribbling toward the goal and creating space, but I also like holding the ball up for my team and allowing the rest of my team into the attack.” Both striker and left wing “accentuate [his]athletic abilities, and allow [him]to put pressure on the defense and create opportunities.”
If you are familiar with C.J.’s play, you may have noticed that he is incredibly strong, especially used when holding the ball, but also has the blistering pace to get past a marker, and troubles even the most athletic defenders.
I asked which defense C.J. found the most the challenging. His answer: “a team like Real Salt Lake because they have center backs that are very physical and they can make the game very difficult.” C.J. might change this answer in 2016 because Curtin’s new free-flowing attack will befuddle even the most athletic defenders, especially with someone as physical as C.J. leading the attack.
C.J concurred, “I am looking forward to starting in a new direction… and stamping our identity on the league.” The Union will turn a few heads this year, and may even surprise some title contenders.
C.J.’s goal for 2016 is simple, “I want to make the playoffs.” With Philadelphia’s new and improved squad this goal will be in the eyes of all supporters, as well as a potential cup run. C.J. ended with a comment for the fans, “Keep having faith, your positivity is what carries us through the tough times.”
So you heard it here. Even when your team is struggling to get a point, the best thing any individual fan can do is show up, and support the team the best way he or she knows how. Screaming and shouting and singing for your Union may make the real difference this year.
