Philadelphia Union sign forward C.J. Sapong to new 3-year deal

The Philadelphia Union announced Wednesday the club has signed forward C.J. Sapong to a three-year contract extension, having joined the club last season out of Sporting Kansas City.

"We value the energy C.J. brings every day and we're very happy to have him committed to our club for the long term," club sporting director Earnie Stewart said in a statement. "His athleticism and natural finishing abilities make him a true difference maker.

"We have the utmost confidence he will settle in as a leader for the team, ultimately becoming a building block for our club for years to come."

Related: Philadelphia's hope for rebirth depends on C.J. Sapong realizing his potential

(Courtesy: @PhilaUnion)

Sapong joined MLS out of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and enjoyed a red-hot rookie season, scoring six goals in 38 appearances; he then nearly doubled that tally in 2011 with 11 goals. However, Sapong couldn't maintain his form and he was traded to the Union in exchange for a first-round draft pick.

He scored nine goals in 31 appearances last season with the Union.