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C.J. Sapong recalls scoring spree from last time Union played Red Bulls

The forward had a hat trick in an 11-minute span in the May matchup.

C.J. Sapong of the Union celebrates after the first of his 3 goals against the New York Red Bulls. It was their first victory of the year. CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
C.J. Sapong of the Union celebrates after the first of his 3 goals against the New York Red Bulls. It was their first victory of the year. CHARLES FOX / Staff PhotographerRead moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
    by Marc Narducci | Columnist
    Published 

Union forward C.J. Sapong has a good  memory of playing one of the team's  rivals, the New York Red Bulls. On May 6, the Union defeated the visiting Red Bulls, 3-0, and Sapong scored all three goals.

It was the first hat trick of his career. The memory of that game has been mentioned a few times this week to Sapong because the Union host the Red Bulls at  5 p.m. Sunday  at Talen Energy Stadium.

Even Sapong, whose focus is always on the next game, admits to looking back at that match, especially since the Red Bulls are the next opponent.

"I definitely have let that moment marinate and it is something that will be with me forever," Sapong said after training Friday. "Given our position, I always have to look for the next game."

The Union (4-6-4) are looking to snap a two-game losing streak against a Red Bulls team that is 6-7-2 but just 1-6 on the road.

Sapong leads the Union with eight goals, which is one shy of tying his career high, which he accomplished twice, 2012 with Sporting Kansas City and in 2015 during his first season with the Union.

When earning his hat trick, Sapong accomplished the feat in an 11-minute late-game window. He opened the scoring in the 74th minute, added another in the 81st and scored on a penalty kick in the 85th minute.

"I am happy for that accomplishment and it gives me a bit of confidence going into this game," Sapong said, "but at this point, the energy am drawing from that moment is to try to help my team win on Sunday."