SOBs really aren’t such bad blokes

When the Union host Sporting Kansas City Saturday night, you can be certain of one thing: the Sons of Ben will pack the River End stands at Talen Energy Stadium.

And it won’t be because it’s Dollar Night.

The oft-maligned fan group, with its off-color cheers, booming drums and occasional smoke bombs will be there in full throat to support the home side.

The SOBs, as they are affectionately known by fellow backers and referred to with ridicule by rival fans, put on their game faces while tailgating in the parking lot before marching into the stadium intent on somehow intimidating the opposition.

The fact that the SOBs look, act and sound the part while standing from the opening whistle to the last, makes the group an easy target for anyone just Dog who doesn’t understand soccer culture or simply doesn’t respect the game.

Folks who compare the Union’s most vociferous backers to soccer hooligans from across the sea have no idea.

Just this week, rival fans tossed a severed bull’s head in the direction of fans backing a Red Bull-funded team in Germany, while a Spanish league match was briefly stopped by a referee due to racist chants directed at a visiting player.

While the Sons of Ben like to flex their muscles and vocal cords during games, they also serve a purpose away from the pitch by mounting food drives, collecting school supplies and orchestrating various other philanthropic endeavors as a way to thank the city of Chester for putting up with their shenanigans nearly two dozen times each year.

It’s their passion for a sport, a team and a community that makes these SOBs different.