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

In C.J. Sapong, the Philadelphia Union have identified the man who will lead the forward line in the 2016 MLS season. With a new three-year contract signed and secured, Sapong, 27, is set to enter the prime of his career with the faith of his team behind him.

So, no pressure.

The 2011 Rookie of the Year joined the Union out of Sporting Kansas City and, all things considered, Philadelphia probably got the better end of the trade, sending out the 10th overall pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, which Sporting KC used on midfielder Connor Hallisey.

But in Sapong, the Union found a goal-scorer hungry to prove himself once more; in 2015, Sapong recorded nine goals and four assists in 31 games.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Sapong couldn't help the club avoid a low finish, as the Union ended the 2015 season ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Now, there is a case to be made that, with some familiarity among his teammates, Sapong is set for his best season yet. In his first year in the league, Sapong found the back of the net six times, then nearly doubled that tally in 2012. But he began to fizzle away and was even loaned to Orlando City, before the Lions joined MLS.

In Philadelphia, Sapong has found new hope. Now, he'll need to deliver.

His numbers are good, but not great, and certainly don't compare well alongside some of the other leading forwards in his conference. Columbus Crew striker Kei Kamara scored 22 goals last season, David Villa notched 18 with New York City FC, and Orlando's Cyle Larin broke the rookie record with 17 goals of his own.

Philadelphia will need similar output from Sapong, but it's not hard to imagine a 15-goal haul by the former U.S. international, twice capped in 2012 when in blistering form.

What Sapong needs is support. In Eric Ayuk, there's a whole lot of speed out wide on the right, while out on the left flank, Sebastien Le Toux remains an ever-present threat, both in chance creation and completion. With Chris Pontius as a versatile piece across the board, there's finally some depth along the forward line, too.

The key factor will be how Sapong combines with attacking midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta over the course of the 2016 season.

The Swiss midfielder joined Philadelphia with 12 years of Bundesliga experience under his belt and, in his first season with the Union, showed flashes of brilliance. But, he came too late in the 2015 campaign to really assert himself, having joined the Union in July.

In his 11 appearances, Barnetta recorded one goal and three assists. But with a full season between he and Sapong, it's not hard to imagine something of a dangerous partnership forming.

Is it enough for Philadelphia to avoid the basement and perhaps sneak into a playoff berth? Perhaps. The Union need defenders Anderson Conceicao and Joshua Yaro to pan out in the back line as well.

But there's enough quality within head coach Jim Curtin's team to make something of a surprise run in 2016 and, with a little bit of luck, and perhaps a shock result or three, Sapong could just be what the Union need to turn the tide.