Reading United AC News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Sunday, January 22, 2012
GLENDALE, Az. – 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 against Venezuela. In doing so, Sapong became the first Reading United alumni to earn a 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. Sapong 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 Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year honors, after netting five goals and five assists, which led all rookies. During the 2010 Premier Development League season, Sapong scored four goals in 11 games with United. His efforts during the postseason (3 assists in the Eastern Conference Finals) helped Reading advance to the PDL Final Four in Portland, Ore., where United would fall to the eventual league champion Portland Timbers U-23s.