Sapong finds second wind in Union's victory

C.J. Sapong was admittedly spent, but Union coach Jim Curtin didn't want to take him out of the game and Sapong wasn't volunteering to leave either.

Sapong goes hard at both ends of the field and it takes a toll, but it also wears down defenses. While he scored the game's first goal, he also helped set up the second in Friday's 2-1 Major League Soccer win over Orlando City S.C. at Talen Energy Stadium.

Late in the second half, Sapong was fouled, giving the Union a free kick from 25 yards out. Tranquillo Barnetta then converted a spectacular free quick to provide the game-winner and help the Union (3-2) move into first place in the Eastern Conference.

Of course there would have been no free kick without the relentless play of Sapong, who created plenty of problems for the Orlando City defense with his strength and tenacity.

"When it came down to crunch time it kind of had a feel of a playoff game and you had the feeling it would be a grind," Sapong said. "We were all tired but we were pushing for the goal and Tranquillo had a very classy finish."

Even though Sapong had expended so much energy, Curtin wasn't thinking of replacing him at the end.

"As the games get late, I am always hesitant, reluctant to take him off because not only for what he brings offensively, but what he does defensively in the box in those last seconds when there is a corner kicks or whatever, because he is such a special, versatile player that brings so many little things," Curtin said.

Curtin understands that fatigue hits Sapong, but the Union coach admires how he fights it off.

"He was tired but he has a way of catching the second wind," Curtin said. "He is so valuable defensively on set pieces for us because he is able to mark one of the bigger guys and he attacks the ball well."