Soul suffer first defeat of season, 58-40

May 2, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


DENVER – The Philadelphia Soul (5-7) suffered their worst loss in the team's short history, 58-40, versus the Colorado Crush (9-4) in front of 16,055 at the Pepsi Center. The loss drops the Soul to 1-5 on the road this season.

Offensive specialist Tyronne Jones led the Soul's offensive attack with nine receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver/linebackers Ricky Ross and Sean Scott finished with eight receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns and six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown respectively.

Both of the Soul's active quarterback saw action in the game. The game's starter, Todd Hammel, finished the contest completing 16-of-25 for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Nick Browder replaced Hammel early in the fourth quarter and completed 12-of-18 for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Both quarterbacks threw an interception.

The Crush got on the board first after they recovered a mishandled kick of the net iron. On the opening kickoff, Crush wide receiver/defensive back Kevin McKenzie recovered the ball at the Soul's four-yard line and took it to the endzone for the score.

On the Soul's first offensive possession, Hammel completed both of his passes including a 40-yard strike to Sean Scott. After a Ken Hinsley made PAT the game was tied at 7-7.

The Crush would score the next 14-points with a 2-yard run by fullback/linebacker John Peaua and a 45-yard bomb from Dutton to McKenzie. Hinsley attempted a 48-yard but missed it wide ride.

The Soul would get back into the scoring column when Hammel found Ross for a 20-yard score. The touchdown was Ross' 15th receiving touchdown of the season.

The two teams would trade scores midway thru the 2nd quarter including a 40-yard touchdown reception by Tyronne Jones. After the score, the Soul cut the lead to 27-20.

The Crush would score ten unanswered points to close the half and took a 37-20 lead in the locker room.

The second half was much of the same for the Soul. The Crush came out blazing when Dutton found offensive specialist Damian Harrell for a 16-yard touchdown reception. Colorado led 44-20.

On the Soul first offensive possession of the second half, Chris "Soul Train" Ryan rumbled in from one-yard out closing the gap to 44-26. It was the only score for the Soul in the third quarter.

After another McKenzie touchdown, the Crush took a 51-26 lead into the final stanza.

The Soul would outscore the Crush 14-7 in the fourth quarter. "Soul Train" Ryan caught a Browder pass and scampered in for a 23-yard score. Ross scored the Soul's final points on a 15-yard reception from Browder.

Crush players swept all of the post-game awards. Dutton, who was name the Baby Ruth Player of Game, finished the game completing 23-of-33 for 263 yards and five touchdowns. He also threw an interception. McKenzie was named the Army Iron Man of the Game. He finished with six receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He also had an interception, a tackle, a fumble recovery and a net recovery for a score. ADT Defensive Player of the Game Rashad Floyd had 10 tackles, an interception and three pass break-ups.

The Soul return to Philadelphia this Saturday, May 8th when they host Las Vegas Gladiators at the Wachovia Center. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised live in UPN 57 (Philadelphia). The first 5000 fans 14 years of age and younger will receive a Ron Jaworski Bobble Head Doll presented by Burns Pontiac, GMC, Hyundai and Honda in Marlton, NJ.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 2, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central