Soul drop season finale, 69-54
Published on May 31, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
Uniondale, NY â The Philadelphia Soul (5-11) dropped their inaugural season finale, 69-54 to the New York Dragons (9-7) in front of 10,228 at the Nassau Coliseum. With the loss, the Soul finished with a 1-7 record on the road.
Rookie wide receiver/linebacker Kenny Solomon led the Soul's offensive attack with nine receptions for 92 yards and three touchdowns. Solomon, making his second start of the season, was a late addition to the starting line-up this afternoon after regular Ricky Ross was scratched prior to kickoff with a knee injury.
Offensive specialist Tyronne Jones wrapped up a sensational season with 242 all purpose yards including 192 kick return yards. He also recorded five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.
The Soul continued to struggle early, going three-and-out on their opening possession. After Ken Hinsley's 57-yard field goal attempt fell short, New York's Kevin Swayne returned it 50-yards to the Soul's 17-yard line. The Dragon first offensive series consisted of four running plays by Kerry Taylor including a one-yard touchdown.
The Soul answered back when Todd Hammel found Solomon deep in the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown reception. Solomon tallied 27 receiving yards in the series. The Dragons would score the next 14 points until Hinsley connected from 43-yards out, cutting New York's lead to 21-10.
After two more New York touchdown, the Soul got back into the scoring column when Hammel found Jones from 16-yards out. After a made PAT by Hinsley, the Soul trailed 25-17. The two squads would trade scores to close out the first half, including a one-yard pass from Hammel to Solomon. The Soul trailed 42-25 going into the break.
The Dragons would score the only points of the third quarter when Josh White ran in from two-yards out. The score gave New York a 49-25 lead heading into the final stanza.
The Soul came out red hot in the fourth quarter. Chris "Soul Train" Ryan got Philadelphia back into the scoring column with a one-yard touchdown run. After a converted two-point conversion, New York led 49-33.
The Soul would recover the ensuing onside kick which led to a Solomon 20-yard touchdown reception from Hammel. Again the Soul would convert the two-point conversion cutting the deficit to 49-41.
After a Dragons' touchdown, Philadelphia would cut the lead to seven, 55-48, when Marlion Jackson caught a fullback screen and rumbled in from 27-yards out. That would be the closest the Soul would get.
The Dragons scored the next 14-points, including a 30-yard interception return by Jerald Brown.
Season tickets for the 2005 season are on-sale now. Call 1-888-PHIL-AFL for more information.
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- Soul drop season finale, 69-54 - Philadelphia Soul
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