Rush suffers first defeat in Philly
March 7, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Philadelphia â With less than a minute remaining in the first half at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, the Chicago Rush held a 27-14 lead and appeared destined to become the league's only 5-0 team.
Then, with apologies to Philadelphia Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi, it appeared someone gave the Rush some "bad medicine."
Philadelphia (2-3) made Chicago (4-1) look sickly, holding the Rush scoreless for nearly 24 minutes â including the entire third quarter â en route to a 53-47 win before 17,504 screaming fans and one ecstatic rock star.
"We had a chance to put the game away at the end of the first half," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "And when you give good teams a second lease on life, these types of things often happen."
With less than a minute remaining in the first half and Chicago holding a 13-point advantage, Philadelphia took over at its own 7-yard line. Two plays later, Rush WR/LB Etu Molden intercepted Soul quarterback Nick Browder's pass and had a clear path to the end zone. But Soul WR Ricky Ross came from behind and knocked the ball loose into the end zone where Philadelphia regained possession.
Three plays later, Browder connected with Ross on a 23-yard touchdown. After Philadelphia missed the extra point, Chicago led 27-20 with 24 seconds left in the half â still plenty of time to add on to its lead.
Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw (18 for 31 and 272 yards) quickly led the Rush to Philadelphia's 10-yard line and, with 10 seconds left, had two shots at the end zone. But passes to Molden and offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel fell incomplete, setting up a 25-yard field goal attempt with 1 second remaining.
Gispert's kick sailed wide-left to end the half, allowing the Soul to escape trailing by just one score.
"Things fell apart pretty quickly on us," lamented Hohensee. "It's a very disappointing way to go into our bye week, but it's a good lesson for us that we're not unbeatable.
"We'll have to get back on track against Orlando (March 21 at the Allstate Arena)."
The Soul maintained the game's momentum the rest of the way, outscoring Chicago 33-20 in the second half and refusing to let the Rush back in the game.
The Rush scored on both of its first-quarter possessions, and wasted no time getting on the board when Philyaw hit McDaniel with a 36-yard pass to the Soul 1-yard line on the game's second play. Philyaw then finished the drive with a 1-yard run. Gispert's PAT kick was deflected at the line, limiting Chicago's lead to 6-0.
Philadelphia responded with a seven play, 45-yard touchdown drive of its own, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown run by FB Travis McDonald for a 7-6 lead.
The Rush regained the lead five plays later when FB/LB Jamie McGourty plowed his way in for a 3-yard run and a 13-7 advantage.
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