Jonathan Bach repeats as Philadelphia Union’s Media Mayhem FIFA tournament champ

For the second year in a row, Brotherly Game contributor Jonathan Bach was crowned Media Mayhem champion at the Philadelphia Union’s FIFA tournament.

Bach, who won the inaugural contest last year, repeated with a penalty kick win over a Philadelphia Phillies representative on Tuesday night at Chickie & Pete’s in Philadelphia.

“There was a lot more pressure this year since I was the defending champion and ran through everyone in the first few rounds (I think I won 7-0, 5-0, and 12-1, then 2-0 and 1-1 on penalties),” Bach said. “The team did a great job organizing, and it felt like more of a big deal than the first one.”

There were 24 players in the competition field for the second annual event sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. Bach played for the Manyunk-based Starfinder Foundation again, which will receive the $2,000 donation.

“Starfinder is a great foundation and I really wanted to win again for them,” Bach said. “I love playing soccer, and I wish I had places like them back home in New York when I was younger that helped kids and gave them a safe place to hang out and play soccer. I know they’ll use it well and I’m excited to possibly try for a three-peat next year and get them even more.”

“We are so moved that he has donated his winnings Starfinder again,” Starfinder Foundation executive director Heidi Warren said. “Jonathan’s gift will give more kids in underserved communities access to great soccer and leadership programs. Thank you for investing in our kids, Jonathan!”