CJ Sapong earns the start in United States friendly in Portugal

CJ Sapong earned his first international cap in nearly six years on Tuesday in the starting XI for the United States Men’s National Team in a friendly in Portugal.

The international appearances is the third ever for the Philadelphia Union forward and his first since January 25, 2012.

Sapong, who led U.S.-eligible players with 16 goals in MLS this season, fired off his first shot just a minute into the game, but it was right at the Portugal keeper. He then helped set up Weston McKennie for a goal in the 21st minute. McKennie, the 19-year-old who plays in Germany with Schalke 04, became the 49th U.S. player to score on his national team debut.

After a lively first half, Sapong had a quieter second half but still managed to draw three fouls (to go with one drawn in the first half) before giving way to substitute Dom Dwyer in the 77th minute.