Soul Weekly Update
May 5, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
SOUL SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON DURING TOUGH STRETCH
The Philadelphia Soul lost its first game of the regular season 67-55 against the Cleveland Gladiators on Friday, May 2nd when they traveled to the Quicken Loans Arena in Ohio. The Soul (9-1) were the only undefeated team in the AFL going into the game, and the loss marked the end of the Soul's largest franchise winning streak and best beginning of a season. The team was in the midst of a tough stretch in which four of five games were on the road. QB Matt D'Orazio started the game, but left with 11:24 remaining in the third quarter with left ankle sprain and did not return. Philadelphia is still ranked 1st in the National Eastern Division.
SOME GOOD NEWS
Despite the loss, WR Chris "Money" Jackson still played a strong game, recording eight receptions for 65 yards and three TDs. Jackson hit another major career milestone when his first TD gave him 300 for his career, making him just the third player in league history to accomplish the feat. This season, Jackson became only the fifth player in AFL history record a 900th reception and the fourth player to break 12,000 receiving yards. He now has an astounding 938 career receptions. On another positive note, WR Larry Brackins hauled in career-highs of 14 catches and 146 yards with two touchdowns.
BOUNCE BACK FOR SOME PAYBACK
The Soul look to bounce back and hit the field again on Monday, May 12 when they travel to face the Georgia Force at 8 p.m. (et). The game can be seen on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD and heard on 950 ESPN (WPEN). Last season, the Georgia Force knocked the Soul out of the playoffs during the National Conference Divisional Playoff Round with a 69-35 win, so the City of Brotherly Love is looking for a little payback.
LET THE BUZZ CONTINUE
Although the Soul lost this week, expectations are still high for the rest of the year. The Soul boasts one of the most impressive records in the league (9-1). The Soul are still the highest scoring teams in the league with 640 points, scoring 70 or more points three times. The team's lowest output was still an impressive 55 points. The club has thrown 67 touchdowns and he defensive-line duo of Bryan Save and Gabe Nyenheis have combined for 10 ½ sacks.
LAST MAN STANDING
Due to popular demand, "Last Man Standing" is returning for more webisodes. For the most recent webisode, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3378722&categoryId=2773944. See highlights from the one of the biggest clashes in AFL history when the Soul defeated the Dallas Desperados last week. Throughout the beginning of the season, the Soul were featured on ESPN.com and ESPN360.com with webisodes of "Last Man Standing." Each weekly webisode gave an in-depth look at the Soul's training camp and included one-on-one interviews with players trying to make the starting lineup or team. For older copies, please contact the Soul communications department.
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