Sapong relishes another chance with national team
Among his many attributes, CJ Sapong isn’t short on self-awareness.
The Philadelphia Union striker knew two weeks ago when the team broke for the offseason that his 16 goals (a franchise record) and five assists marked not just a career season for him but a stellar one by any metric. He wasn’t waiting for external validation, whether via postseason awards or from a U.S. National Team that hadn’t called him to be present in a half-decade.
But when that call-up arrived, Sapong was happy to oblige.
“I was a bit surprised,” Sapong said Thursday from the U.S. training base in Portugal ahead of next Wednesday’s friendly with the Selecao. “I definitely felt like I had a good season and felt like there was a chance, but given everything that happened with us not qualifying, I didn’t really know what direction they were trying to go in.
“It was exciting to at least be looked at and to be seen as someone who could possibly be in the future of the national team. That was humbling and motivating to get out here and try to show why I should be here.”
Much of the U.S. roster called by interim manager Dave Sarachan is aspirational, comprised of young players that project as regulars under whoever inherits the humiliation of not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Only three players in the 23man squad have more than 30 caps; Sapong’s Union teammate Alejandro Bedoya and defender Tim Ream are the elder statesmen at age 30.
But for all the youth-national-team integrations, Sapong’s inclusion is different. He’s there on merit, having proven what his toughness and determination can produce in MLS. And in a state of transition where there’s no consensus on the way forward (and likely won’t be until the U.S. Soccer Federation elects a new president in February), except that it must be better than the abomination of October, Sapong has a window to be part of the conversation.
It’s been nearly six years since Sapong earned his only two caps, in friendlies following the January 2012 camp after his rookie season. His success with the Union translated into a spot on the preliminary 40-man roster for the 2017 Gold Cup, but he wasn’t among the platoons called in for either the group stages or knockout rounds.
The vast hiatus since he last represented his country and the maturation Sapong has experienced in the intervening years means he’s approaching this as a new beginning.
“Seemed like such a long time ago,” Sapong admitted. “I definitely was in a different place in my development as a person and as a player. It’s nice to be back here and have that as some bit of experience. Ultimately I see this opportunity as my first opportunity, given where I am in my career. I think I’m better positioned to have an impact.”
“CJ has the most unique skill set of any American No. 9,” Union manager Jim Curtin said through a team spokesman. “He can hurt the opponent in so many ways: Through his hold-up play and bringing teammates into the game, aerial dominance, underrated passing ability and being clinical in the box when you get him service. His commitment on the defensive side of the ball is the best I’ve seen from an attacking player. He has truly earned this opportunity with the United States as he looks to build on what has been his best season as a professional.”
Consistency has been a hallmark of Sapong’s Union tenure. He’s scored seven or more goals in four of seven pro seasons, including all three in Philadelphia. He’s played 91 of a possible 102 games with the Union, starting 79 and scoring 32 goals and 11 assists.
For his career, including four seasons with Sporting Kansas City, Sapong has 52 MLS goals in 201 games. He’s familiar with several members of the current U.S. squad, including Bedoya and former SKC teammate (and maybe once-again strike partner) Dom Dwyer.
Whatever happens with next week’s game in Leiria against the reigning European champions and thirdranked team in the world, Sapong seeks to derive lessons that will extend beyond camp.
“I always see the blessings in everything,” he said. “One thing I noticed here is that it’s a different mentality that can help me take my game to the next level. It’s a learning experience for me, and hopefully I’ll show something to the staff here that can be implemented in their philosophy and moving forward.”
In the swirl of uncertainty that is U.S. Soccer’s current moment, Sapong possesses the psychological dexterity and resilience to confront whatever arises, to say nothing of the physical toughness that offers a needed counterpoint to more skilled forwards in the player pool that have long over-promised and under-delivered.
If nothing else, Sapong’s veteran presence and work ethic seem like valuable traits to expose to the future stars of the national team.
“We’re trying to look forward, and with any adversity you face, you just have to respond in the best way possible, and that’s what’s going on here,” he said. “We have to look ahead and look at every viable option and craft a philosophy and find a core group moving forward.”