Friday, April 1, 2011
READING, Pa. – The Reading United had a record setting 2010 season, culminating in both personal and team accomplishments. Not only did the team finish in the PDL’s Final Four after a handful of tightly contested playoff games, but six United alumni were either drafted into the MLS or signed to professional contracts.
Every week, United will highlight one of these alumni with an exclusive Q&A. This week, our Assistant GM, Ryan Lineaweaver, had the opportunity to catch up with Sporting Kansas City forward C.J. Sapong.
After playing in 11 games for the United in 2010, Sapong was drafted No.10 overall by the recently rebranded Sporting Kansas City in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He became the fastest rookie to score a goal in MLS history, when he blasted a goal in the second minute of his Kansas City debut, a 3-2 victory on March 19th.
Ryan Lineaweaver: What was the biggest determining factor in choosing to play for the Reading United last year?
C.J. Sapong: The biggest determining factor in choosing Reading was the overall professionalism of the organization. Not only did I think they were providing the best in amenities, I felt like it would be the most professional environment. At that time my goal was to be a professional and I was sure the United would provide an environment that would give me an idea of what it may be like and also help me mature.
RL: What did your time with the Reading United do to prepare you for the MLS game?
C.J.: My time at RU (Reading United) did wonders for me. Given the support from the community, I was able to feel what it was like to represent a certain area. I had a lot of interaction with fans and youth players and enjoyed every second of it. Whether it was training and lifting weights at state-of-the-art facilities or making appearances at youth camps, I truly felt like a professional athlete at RU and that experience has matured and prepared me for the protocol of the MLS.
RL: Many players feel prepared technically when reaching the professional level, but can be overwhelmed by other factors. How do the speed and physicality of the MLS compare to the both PDL level and the collegiate level?
C.J.: Both the speed and physicality are a step above the collegiate and PDL level. Fortunately for me, the physical part of the game is what I pride myself on and have done well adjusting. The speed of play took longer to get used to and I am still working on being a faster decision maker and being aware at every moment of the game.
RL: The MLS is a completely different beast from what you are used to in college, both physically and mentally. We’ve discussed the physical part. But how do you keep yourself mentally prepared for a schedule that starts with the preseason in February and ends (at the earliest) in October?
C.J.: The mental part is probably the biggest change. It is important that you stay with the right mind-set and attitude. Just like life and the game, it’s mostly about how you respond and react. You also have to take a lot better care of your body and pay attention to what goes into it. Proper nutrition is what is going to get you through the final and more critical moments of the game.
RL: What was the overall experience of the MLS SuperDraft like?
C.J.: The MLS SuperDraft was a very exciting and humbling experience. From the wild and crazy fans to the fellow draftees sitting next to me, it was a moment that reminded me of why I love the game and put all the time and effort into it. Being selected number 10 overall was beyond my dreams and is something that I will cherish forever.
RL: Realistically, what goals have you set for yourself for the 2011 season? Where do you envision Sporting Kansas City finishing?
C.J.: Individually, I want to just impose my will on defenders in this league. It’s important that I don’t become content with just “getting by” my first year. I want to play at my optimum level and feel like everything will take care of itself afterwards. I see good things for our team and we collectively are shooting for a championship. There are a lot of other things that we need to accomplish before then but we are willing and more than able to do so.
RL: One of the beautiful things that the United and the PDL do is bring players of high skill levels together from all across the country. For instance, United had players that came from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, and even England to play for the team last year. Despite the distance, do you still keep in contact with your teammates from the club?
C.J.: Yes, I am still in contact with a lot of my former United teammates. The reason we were as successful as we were was because of our camaraderie. We all root and wish for the best for each other in all endeavors.
RL: You were the first MLS player to ever give a shout-out to his “Broskies” during the Draft. How does it feel to make history?
C.J.: (laughs) Well given the surprise of when I was selected, I was flooded with good emotions and thanked my “Broskies”, who are basically the people really close to me that helped me off the field throughout my pre-MLS career. I’m honored to be the only person ever to make a shout-out like this and hope future draftees let the moment really soak in and enjoy it to the fullest.
RL: Speaking of records, you are officially the fastest rookie to score his first MLS goal (scoring in the second minute of his first game against United almuni Zarek Valentin’s Chivas USA on March 19th). Are you planning on setting any more records this season?
C.J.: This record that I now hold is the culmination of all the hours, blood, sweat, and tears that I’ve put into soccer. I truly love the game and to be rewarded with such an accomplishment is a blessing and even more motivation to work even harder. I don’t have any records in my mind to break but I feel like if I keep the same mindset and attitude while continuing to give my all that there will be more broken.
RL: Have to ask: Would you consider Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver (and Sporting Kansas City trialist) Chad Ochocinco to be a threat to your position on the team?
C.J.: Fortunately, Ocho’s skill set would leave him vying for a different position than mine. However, I will say, with soccer IQ and a better first touch, Ocho could do some damage.