CHESTER,PA- Philadelphia Union CJ Sapong returned to practice today following his indefinite suspension and treatment for his DUI arrest earlier this month. With his return, Sapong will also be available for selection for this Sunday's match against the rival, New York Red Bulls.
Technical Director Chris Albright said in a statement that “We look forward to having C.J. back in the team and will continue to support him, as we're confident in his commitment both on and off the field.”
However, according to the practice update posted on the Union website, Sapong is not 100% match fit and will likely not be in the 18 for Coach Jim Curtin's side on Sunday.
btw, Sapong scored a nice goal in training today, falling down with McLaughlin all over him, stuck out a foot and poked past the keeper
— Kevin Kinkead (@KevinKCBS3) May 21, 2015
Sapong's return from suspension will give the Union some depth at the Forward position as Forward Fernando Aristeguieta is currently returning from training with the Venzuelan National Team ahead of the Copa America Tournament and may not be available for Sunday. The only strikers that were in the 18 in last Sunday's win over D.C. United were Conor Casey and Antoine Hoppenot.
In the six games (3 starts) Sapong has played, he has provided the team with a goal and an assist. His stats do not tell the whole story as Sapong has given the Union a boost as a target on crosses as well as physical presence on offense.
2015 Open Cup Draw
In the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup draw, the Philadelphia Union have been drawn against either the USL side Harrisburg City Islanders or another USL side in the Rochester Rhinos. The game will be played at 7:30PM EST on June 16th at PPL Park. Harrisburg is no unfamiliar opponent to the Union, if Harrisburg does get through Rochester.
Last year, the Union also faced Harrisburg last year in the fourth round, where the Union prevailed 3-1 in extra time. Rochester is no slouch either the Rhinos upset DC United in the fourth round but ultimately lost to the New England Revolution 2-1 in the fifth round in last year's Open Cup.
Marc Zumoff to fill in for JP Dellacamera in June
Marc Zumoff, better known as the the Philadelphia 76ers play-by-play announcer, will fill in for Union announcer JP Dellacamera in the month of June. Dellacamera will not be calling Union games as he will be in Canada for the 2015 Women's World Cup calling the three US Women's National Team group stage games. Dellacamera's partners in the booth will be former USWNT head coach Tony Dicicco and former USWNT player Cat Whitehill.
Zumoff is no stranger to calling Union games. He was the man behind the microphone last year for the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final against Seattle Sounders, in addition to calling a few other Union games throughout his career.
Aristeguieta left off roster for Venzuelan Copa America Team
Fernando Aristeguieta was not named to the 26-man Venzuelan Roster for the Copa America and will return to the Union.
In his Wednesday Press Conference, Coach Jim Curtin said that if Aristeguieta was not selected for the Venzuelan roster, "He would be in the picture as a reserve (if he is able to be selected) because he’s been away from the team for so long, but because we are so thin it would be a heck of a nice luxury to throw in in the last 20 minutes of a game a guy we know very well who’s just been gone a little bit."
This article was update on Saturday May 23rd at 10pm to reflect the news on Fernando Aristeguieta.