Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced Monday that it has acquired 25-year-old forward C.J. Sapong from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for the Union’s highest (best) pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
A native of Manassas, Va., and former player for Union developmental affiliate Reading United, Sapong tallied 20 goals and nine assists in four seasons for Sporting Kansas City. SKC also recorded an impressive 19-0-2 record (including playoffs) when Sapong scored.
Sapong has played in 10 playoff games, including appearing in all five matches en route to capturing the 2013 MLS Cup.
“We are thrilled to add a player of C.J.’s caliber to our roster,” said Union technical director Chris Albright. “C.J. is one of the most dynamic and versatile forwards in our league and he understands what it takes to win an MLS Championship. He will be an important part of our team moving forward.”
Drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of James Madison University, Sapong was named the 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year with five goals and five assists in his first professional season and scored in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Sapong followed up his rookie campaign by tying for the team lead with nine goals in 2012 after debuting for the U.S. Men’s National Team in January 2012.
The Union also announced Monday it has traded Amobi Okugo to Orlando City SC in exchange for allocation money and Orlando’s second round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
“Everyone at the Philadelphia Union would like to thank Amobi for his contributions on and off the field over the last five years,” said Union technical director Chris Albright. “He continually represented the organization with class and we wish him all the best as he continues his career.”
Okugo appeared in 117 career games for the Union, scoring five goals and adding six assists.
In accordance with MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, allocation money is a resource available to MLS clubs in addition to their respective salary budgets. Allocation money does not count against a club’s salary budget.
