Union's Sapong remains questionable for Wednesday
Forward C.J. Sapong, who it could be argued is the Union's most indispensable player, remains questionable for the MLS game Wednesday against the Chicago Fire at Talen Energy Stadium.
Forward C.J. Sapong, who it could be argued is the Union's most indispensable player, remains questionable for the MLS game Wednesday against the Chicago Fire at Talen Energy Stadium.
Sapong, whose five goals are tied with Chris Pontius for the team lead, suffered a right ankle sprain June 1.
He missed his first MLS game of the season Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Yankee Stadium to New York City FC.
"I thought he looked good today, was able to cut and push off, had a pretty good sweat when I saw him. So I am happy with how he has progressed," coach Jim Curtin said at a news conference Monday. "When you look back it is right around that three-week mark, June 1, and that is a good piece to be back in the mix. Whether it's Wednesday or Saturday is still to be determined."
It appears that Saturday at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps might be a more realistic time for Sapong's return.
"He needs time and reps in training before you throw him back there as a starter, but he is getting close," Curtin said.
In his place on Saturday, rookie Fabian Herbers made his first MLS start. Herbers is a much different player from Sapong, and is not as physically strong. Sapong is more adept at playing with his back to the goal than the rookie is.
Center back Josh Yaro, out since suffering a shoulder injury May 25 at Orlando City, was cleared Monday morning for all contact.
"He had it checked out, and he is 100 percent in training now, and we'll feature him in Wednesday's and Saturday's games as well," Curtin said.
One other player to watch on the injury front is defensive midfielder Warren Creavalle. Curtin said Creavalle left midway through training Monday as a precautionary measure after feeling discomfort in his abdomen and groin.
"I don't think it is anything major," Curtin said.
The Union (6-4-5, 23 points) remain in first place in the Eastern Conference, while Chicago (2-6-5, 11 points) is in last place. The Fire won at home against the Union, 1-0, on April 2.
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