Philadelphia Soul: Playoff Game 2 Game Preview
Published on July 30, 2019 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
After beating the Washington Valor 69-33 in the first game of a home-and-home series, the Philadelphia Soul will take a 36-point lead into the second leg this Sunday at the Wells Fargo Center. The team with the highest aggregate score will advance to play the winner of the Albany Empire-Baltimore Brigade series in ArenaBowl 32 on August 11th. Fans can watch this weekend's matchup live on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, ESPN3 or the ESPN app, or listen to the action on 97.5 The Fanatic.
The Soul scored early and often in the first game of the series behind big games from quarterback Dan Raudabaugh and veteran wideout Darius "Money" Reynolds. Raudabaugh completed 17-of-23 passes for 284 yards and six touchdowns. His favorite target on Sunday was a familiar face. After playing jack linebacker for much of the season, Reynolds returned to receiver for the first time since the season opener. The move paid off, as he finished with eight catches, 115 yards, and a game-high three touchdowns. Teammate Darius Prince added 125 yards and two scores, his third 100-yard receiving game vs the Valor this season.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia defense limited Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson's impact. Sacked twice, the dual-threat quarterback was under pressure for much of the night, running the ball just four times for 24 yards. The longest of those carries, a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter, resulted in a fumble recovered by the Soul. Nelson also matched a season-high with three interceptions, all of which went to defensive back James Romain.
The Soul now return to the Wells Fargo Center this Sunday at 4 pm for the second leg of the series with a trip to ArenaBowl 32 on the line.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR Darius Reynolds
In his first game at receiver since the season opener, Reynolds finished with eight catches, 115 yards, and a game-high three touchdowns. In seven starts at receiver vs the Valor, Reynolds has scored 13 touchdowns.
QB Arvell Nelson
Nelson turned the ball over four times in the first game of the series, including three interceptions. The league leader in total offense was kept in the pocket for most of the game, finishing with just four carries for 24 yards, his longest of which (a 17-yard run) resulted in a fumble recovered by Philadelphia.
BY THE NUMBERS
10 Since losing to the Valor in Week 7, the Soul have recorded 10 sacks in the last 6 games, including two on Sunday.
4 The Soul have recorded multiple interceptions in four of their last five games. Franchise interception leader James Romain had three picks in the first leg of the series.
3 The Soul are looking to reach their third ArenaBowl in the last four seasons.
Arena Football League Stories from July 30, 2019
- Brigade Today // July 30, 2019 - Baltimore Brigade
- Philadelphia Soul: Playoff Game 2 Game Preview - Philadelphia Soul
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