"This is the culture we are trying to create, one big family, and we hope this is just the beginning of events like this," said Union team manager Peter Nowak, who served as player-coach of the winning side.
The Union and Sons of Ben enjoy a unique relationship, and the two sides engaged in some good-natured ribbing leading up to the game.
Each team truly wanted to claim that River Cup, but on this evening, the final score became secondary.
"We really wanted to win, but this really benefited the kids of Chester United, and that is what this is all about," Sons of Ben president Matt Ansbro said.
The Sons of Ben said they had been working out diligently for this match. But judging by the shape some of them were in, most of the training must have taken place at Bimbo Bakeries, the company whose logo is on the Union uniforms.
The teams played two 30-minute halves instead of the customary 45, a good move that likely limited the need for extra CPR units.
One highlight was seeing the 47-year-old Nowak knock the ball around. Nowak is a former professional player of renown, and he showed great field vision.
Many of the Union players were watching, and they were delighted to have an opportunity to critique Nowak's play.
"He's a good player with good touch who knows what to do with the ball," forward Danny Mwanga said.
But . . .
"The fitness part with him is a little low."
Nowak's response?
"It's a big field," he said between breaths. "I feel bad for my guys that they have to run this all the time."
Union assistant coach John Hackworth, a former player at Wake Forest, worked well in tandem with Nowak, just as they do in coaching the team.
The Union's chief executive officer and operating partner, Nick Sakiewicz, more than held his own.
A former professional goalkeeper, Sakiewicz mainly played center back. When he didn't have to sprint more than 10 yards at a time, he actually fared well.
The Union defense was impressive, especially since it was without one of its key players, Cristina Maillo-Belda of the public relations staff. Maillo-Belda is recovering from a broken tibia and fibula she suffered while playing soccer, so Sakiewicz had to be the defensive leader.
Afterward, he clutched the River Cup trophy while embracing the entire evening.
"It's just a great way to bond the community," Sakiewicz said.
This was an example of a professional franchise and its fans working together for the betterment of the community.
But more than the money, the Union would like to give Chester's youth something that is priceless - hope.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225, mnarducci@phillynews.com, or @sjnard on Twitter.
