Soul fall to SaberCats, 48-36
May 23, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
SAN JOSE, CA â The Philadelphia Soul (5-10) fell to the San Jose SaberCats (11-4) 48-36 in front of 13,423 at HP Pavilion.
Soul rookie quarterback Tim Levcik made his first start of the season and completed 13-of-30 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. He also threw two late interceptions. Terrill Shaw, making his first appearance in a Soul uniform, had four catches for 31 yards while Tyronne Jones added three receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Chris "Soul Train" Ryan had four carries for 15 yards and two touchdowns.
The Soul's defense was outstanding in the losing effort. Dwayne Missouri, who was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game, recorded two sacks and two solo tackles. Winfield Garnett and Eric Gohlstin had 1 ½ and a ½ sack respectively.
On the first play of the game, Garnett sacked SaberCats' quarterback Mark Grieb forcing a fumble which was recovered by "Soul Train" Ryan.
After the turnover, Levcik marched the team down the field and capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Ryan. Levcik completed 2-3 of passes for 13 yards in the drive.
The SaberCats would answer when Grieb connected with Fred Coleman on a nine-yard touchdown reception. Coleman led all receivers with nine catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
After a made field goal by Soul kicker Ken Hinsley, San Jose would take a 14-10 lead after a Shalon Baker 7-yard touchdown reception from Grieb. Baker was named US Army Ironman of the Game.
After another SaberCats' touchdown, the Soul would answer back late in the second quarter. Levcik found Tyronne Jones 48-yards in the end zone and the Soul trailed 21-17. The 48-yard touchdown reception was the longest of the season for the Soul.
With no time remaining in the first half, kicker Ken Hinsley drilled a 43-yard field goal cutting San Jose's lead to 27-20.
On the opening drive of the third quarter, the Soul tied the game at 27-27 when Ryan rumbled in from 6-yards out, his second touchdown of the game. Levcik was perfect on the drive completing both of his passes for 31-yards.
On San Jose's first possession of the second half, Philadelphia's defense forced a San Jose field goal attempt. The kick would be partially blocked and Tyronne Jones recovered the kick 4-yards deep in the end zone. Trying to avoid would be defenders, Jones made one of the most exciting plays of the season as he ran sideline to sideline deep in the end zone before racing 54-yards for the touchdown. The score put the Soul up 33-27.
San Jose would regain the lead after fullback/linebacker Brian Johnson rushed in from 5-yards out. After the made PAT the SaberCats led 34-33.
The Soul would go three and out on their next possession but Hinsley connected on his third field goal of the game, this time from 22-yards out, giving the Soul a 36-34 lead. It would be the last points scored by Philadelphia in the game.
The Soul wrap up their inaugural season next Sunday, May 30th when they travel to Long Island to face the New York Dragons. Kickoff for the game is set for 4:00 p.m and can be seen live on NBC Sports (NBC-10). Season tickets for the 2005 season are on-sale now. Call 1-800-PHIL-AFL for more information.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 23, 2004
- Avengers Fend off the Gladiators - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Dragons Stopped in Orlando - New York Dragons
- Rush clinches Central Division title with 53-37 win - Chicago Rush
- Crush Stun Fury 45-42 - Detroit Fury
- Firebirds Can't Keep up with Rush, fall 53-37 - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Storm win fifth straight, pull into tie for eighth playoff seed - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul fall to SaberCats, 48-36 - Philadelphia Soul
- Gladiators fall short against Avengers, 54-51 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Destroyers outlast Desperados in Texas shootout - Columbus Destroyers
- SaberCats Win Over Soul, 48-36 - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados Drop Sixth Consecutive Game - Dallas Desperados
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