FIRE’S SAPONG HAS 2020 VISION
VETERAN LIKELY WILL PLAY KEY ROLE NEXT SEASON ON TEAM UNDERGOING MAJOR CHANGES
Veteran player knows that with so many changes around the team, the product on the field must take a step up.
CJ Sapong knows it’s important for the 2020 Fire to be more successful than the 2019 edition. The Fire had their moments this year, but Sapong acknowledges the group didn’t perform up to its standards.
Add in everything happening around the Fire, and Sapong understands it’s crucial for next year to be better.
“When you’re afforded this opportunity: new colors, new gear, a new stadium in the city, these are things that we as players, these are the types of situations that we would like to be playing in,” Sapong told the Sun-Times. “All the more reason for us to put that much more into it. Anything less than the playoffs is definitely a failure. With the rebranding, we’re trying to start something new. We’re trying to build a dynasty. I know my teammates and I want to be part of that change of history.”
Sapong, 30, did his part in his first season with the Fire. He scored 13 goals, grew popular with the fans and was the team’s most consistent attacking player. And though it was no surprise when the team picked up his 2020 option in November, it still meant something to Sapong.
“In the offseason, obviously there’s been a lot of changes,” Sapong said, “so to be one of the people that they believe in, it’s definitely an honor.”
Sapong figures to be a big part of next year’s team and represent some stability to the roster, which is undergoing major alterations on and off the field. Sapong is embracing that role, and he has some experience with a club undergoing big changes.
Sapong started his MLS career in 2011 with Sporting Kansas City, which rebranded in November 2010 after being known as the Kansas City Wizards. Sporting KC changed its colors, logo and entire disposition and moved into a glistening new stadium in the middle of 2011.
“I wasn’t there before [Sporting KC] rebranded; however I did get to feel that sense of pride that comes with a new look, a new understanding, a new philosophy,” Sapong said. “I see how we’re in a position to really grasp the city and get the city behind us. If we can understand first the amazing opportunity we have to be part of such a change, then it will kind of give us that spark that we would need to get the results that back that up.”
Coming back will give Sapong a chance to build off a strong season that began with his trade from the Philadelphia Union in February. The season exceeded his expectations, but the trade forced him to overcome adversity he didn’t foresee when the preseason ended.
“In that right, definitely, and finding pride in the way the season ended,” Sapong said. “Also, a lot of excitement, because I still feel like even in terms of the stats and all the on-field stuff I think I can still do more and provide more for the team, the whole organization. I’m kind of looking forward to being in that role, more of a leader and [impacting the community], somebody that fans can connect with on a more personal level and count on to perform for the team.” ✶
“In the offseason, obviously there’s been a lot of changes, so to be one of the people that they believe in, it’s definitely an honor.” CJ Sapong