The latest installment of MLSsoccer.com’s Entrance Exam takes us to Kansas City, where we interview Sporting’s first-round SuperDraft pick, striker C.J. Sapong.
Sapong hails from Virginia and was a four-year starter for James Madison University in his collegiate days. As a pro, he’ll have a tougher time cracking the lineup, competing with the likes of Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury and Mexican Designated Player Omar Bravo for playing time.
MLSsoccer.com: What has been the most unexpected difference between MLS and college so far?
Sapong: I would have to say it was the mental focus, that’s really tough. It’s important that you are mentally aware at every moment of the game. You can’t slip into a comfort zone on the field.
At first, I thought that it would be the quickness of play or maybe the physicality, but as soon as I started playing, I found myself kind of exposed and also caught out in a couple of moments. Whether it’s not getting back onside quick enough because you’re lazy, that’s an opportunity that you lose. At this level, you’ve got to take advantage of the opportunities you get. So, I definitely say that that’s a part of it – being mentally tough for the full 90.
MLSsoccer.com: Which veterans have provided the most guidance and in what way?
Sapong: Everybody’s definitely helped. I’d say mostly Kei, just because he’s a lot like me. He’s been in my position before being a forward, he knows what the coaches expect and he knows what I need to do to help him out there, to be a better player to make the team better. So he kind of takes the time to make sure that I’m on the same page as him.
[inline_node:330267]MLSsoccer.com: It’s the MLS Cup final. It’s tied and it’s heading to penalties. Do you want to be one of the five penalty-takers?
Sapong: I do, but then, I would have to say at that moment, I would have to make that decision. I took them at college and I’m confident taking them, but at the same time, how the other players on the team would feel about a rookie stepping up to take that would definitely be a part of it. I would definitely say yes, though.
MLSsoccer.com: Do you think your coaches would let a rookie be one of the five?
Sapong: Maybe. It depends [how I] performed throughout the year. I’ve had a PK already this year, but ... a preseason game and MLS Cup final are two totally different things. I think it would depend on how the season went, and if I had put on a good performance during the season.
MLSsoccer.com: Have you come up with a goal celebration yet or will you just go spontaneous?
Sapong: I have a couple, but I don’t know what the first one will be. It all depends on the moment and the players on the field, but there’s one thing we kind of pride ourselves on: It’s try to have some fun and get everyone involved and be creative. It’s an ongoing process. I’m still picking up a few things, but I’d probably have to say spontaneous, just because I don’t even know what the first one will be.
MLSsoccer.com: Is there anything you’d like to say to the hardcore fans in the Cauldron?
Sapong: Oh, yes. First of all, that I’m glad to be part of the KC organization. I’m excited to hear them chanting – they chant and sing the whole game and I love that. And what I’d really like is for them to come up with a nice one for me! [Laughs.] I want to hear my name in one of these chants, so if they could make that happen, I’d greatly appreciate that.
