C.J. Sapong suffers concussion and fracture

When folk say the Colorado Rapids played dirty in the 0-0 tie season opener, they meant it.

New Philadelphia Union striker/winger C.J. Sapong has been diagnosed with a concussion and a zygomatic fracture in his left cheek following a hit he took near the end of the first half of the season opener. Reports say that he will be seeing a specialist this week to have an estimate on when he will return.

What does this mean for the Union’s formation when they travel to Real Salt Lake for Saturday’s bout at Rio Tinto Stadium? For the season opener the Union formed a 4-4-2 with Sapong and other off season signing, Fernando Aristeguieta, up top as strikers, but with Sapong gone, who will take his place? When injured, Christian Maidana came on for Sapong but striker is not a preferred position for Maidana. Expect to see the Union’s classic 4-2-3-1 with Maidana as the CAM and Aristeguieta the loan striker up top. Another possibility we could see is another 4-4-2 with Sebastian Le Toux playing up top with Aristeguieta and Maidana playing in the center with Maurice Edu with Vincent Nogueira and Andrew Wenger on the left and right side.

Regardless of the formation Coach Curtin uses, we here at Brotherly Game wish C.J. a speedy recovery!

Colin Campbell

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