Game Preview: Philadelphia Set to Face off against Orlando
May 16, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 16, 2013) - The Philadelphia Soul (3-4) is looking to win their first home game of the season as they take on their conference rival, the Orlando Predators (2-5). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. The game will be aired on CBS Sports Network.
For "COPD Awareness Night," the first 5,000 fans will receive t-shirts and rally towels. In addition, there will be two screening booths for the fans to get checked for COPD. The Soul players, coaches and Soulmates will wear the color orange, in support of COPD awareness (More information on the events listed below.)
The Soul lost their third game by seven points or less, losing to the Pittsburgh Power 53-48 last Saturday. The Orlando Predators started 0-5, but have won their last two games, including last week's dramatic comeback against the Spokane Shock 83-82. Orlando scored 14 points in the final 28 seconds to complete a victory that saw them fall behind by 21 points several times.
"We have to treat it like the Chicago game," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel about the upcoming matchup. "It's a must-win game for us. We can't afford to be two games under .500. This week, we just need refocus and everyone just needs to lock in on their responsibilities. We need to play more sound football. Orlando is 2-0 with Garcia; we're going to need to shut him down. They're playing with a lot of confidence, so it's important we get in the right mindset and come prepared."
Orlando's head coach, Doug Plank, returns to Philadelphia after leading the Soul to the ArenaBowl last season. He ranks No. 8 in league history in winning percentage (.660) and postseason wins (6) while also ranking No. 10 all-time in wins. Heading into the week, Philadelphia has won the last three match-ups against Orlando, going back to last season, including a 61-33 win on April 6.
The Soul lost all three of their home game this season. Despite last week's loss to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia put up 313 offensive yards against the No. 1 defense in the league. However, Philadelphia turned the ball over twice, an issue that has plagued them throughout the season. The Soul's offense has no problems moving the ball, ranking No. 3 in total yards (317.7), No. 3 in rushing yards (32.7) and No.4 in passing yards per game (285.0).
Although, Philadelphia's defense struggled last week, allowing 274 yards of offense and 53 points, their defense has been dependable all season. Overall, Clint Dolezel's squad ranks No. 4 in total defense (259.3), led by a strong run defense that has allowed league lows in rushing yards per game (13.9) and rushing touchdowns (5).
Orlando had a season high 442 yards passing in their ferocious comeback win against the Spokane Shock, jumping their passing offense to No. 1 (304.9). Part of the reason for the jump is because of the recent acquisition of quarterback Aaron Garcia. He ranks No. 1 in league history in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Since coming to Orlando in a trade with San Jose, Garcia has thrown for 17 touchdowns and just one interception in two games.
While the Predators' defense ranks in the middle of the pack in yards given up (264.3), they have given up a league-high 61.7 points per game. Two of the factors for their defense giving up that many points is because of a red-zone defense that ranks No. 12 in (85.7 percent) and their 19 turnovers on offense (No. 4).
With a new quarterback and riding a two-game win streak, the Predators will look to stay in contention for the final playoff spot in the American Conference. This game features two of the best wide receivers in the league with T.T Toliver and Tiger Jones, who are No. 1 and No. 2 in receiving yards and receptions per game.
With both of these teams ranking in the top four in passing, an offensive shootout is possible. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in turnover margin, so whichever defense can create the most turnovers will likely come out victorious.
EVENTS
Parx Casino will be giving away "white out" t-shirts to the first 5,000 fans of ages 21 and older. For those interested, enter the promotional code "PARX" on wellsfargocenterphilly.com to receive $3 off each Soul ticket. The first 5,000 fans will also receive orange rally towels. There will be two screen booths at the concourse of the arena, messages from Ron Jaworski, and on-field and in-stand promotions.
The Soul's player uniforms will feature an orange ribbon and will include orange socks and wristbands. The Soulmates uniform will include orange pom-poms and an orange visor.
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