Sapong Makes First US Men’s National Team Appearance
1.21.12
Glendale, AZ (January 21, 2012) – Reading United alumni and current Sporting Kansas City striker C.J. Sapong made his United States Men’s National Team debut on Saturday evening at University of Phoenix Stadium, during a 1-0 victory over Venezuela. In doing so, Sapong became the first Reading United alumni to cap for the National Team.
Sapong entered in the 74th minute for Sporting Kansas City teammate Graham Zusi, who was also making his National Team debut. C.J. made an immediate impact on the game’s tempo, credited with two of the United States’ 15 shots on the evening.
Sapong’s National Team debut comes on the heels of a season that saw him garner Rookie of the Year honors, after netting five goals with five assists, which led all rookies. During the 2010 Premier Development League season, Sapong scored four goals in 11 games with the United. His efforts during the post-season (3 assists in the Eastern Conference Finals) helped Reading advance to the PDL Final Four in Portland, OR, where the United would eventually fall to the eventual league champion Portland Timbers U23.
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