Steel Lose to Soul, 70-32
April 17, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Steel News Release
Philadelphia, Pa. - The Portland Steel drop their second straight road contest and lose to the Philadelphia Soul 70-32 in front of 8,782 fans at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday afternoon. The Steel (0-3) were unable to recover from a first half where they put six points on the scoreboard. The Soul (2-1) score nine touchdowns on ten possessions and add a defensive touchdown to cap the scoring for the game.
After a slow start to the game, Steel quarterback Danny Southwick completed 30 of 49 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns. The Soul were able to capitalize on three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble, for 21 points.
Wide receivers Tom Gilson and Jared Perry were able to carry the load for the Steel offense. Gilson hauled in 11 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns while Perry caught nine passes for 111 yards and two scores.
The Steel receiving corps, already suffering from two key injuries to start the season, inserted Tyrone Goard into the lineup for the Week 3 contest against the Soul. The veteran wide receiver was able to contribute six receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown catch.
Down by 14 points to start the game, the Steel scored their first touchdown as Southwick found Perry for a 11-yard scoring strike on 4th down to open the scoring for Portland. After a missed extra point attempt, the Steel trailed 14-6 at the end of the 1st quarter.
After a scoreless 2nd quarter for the Steel, they opened the second half with a touchdown as Southwick found Gilson for a 13-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown gave the Soul a 42-13 advantage.
With the score 49-19, defensive back Mike McMillan was able to strip the football away from Soul wide out Shaun Kauleinamoku and recovered by Tim Shelley II. On the very next play Southwick found Perry for a 23-yard scoring strike down the middle of the field. The score at the end of the 3rd quarter was 49-26 in favor of the Soul.
Southwick would find Gilson early in the fourth quarter for a 13-yard scoring strike, giving the Soul a 56-32 advantage. The two have pared for four touchdowns to start the season.
The Steel return to action on Saturday, April 30 when they travel to face the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff at Talking Stick Resort Arena is set for 6 p.m. (PST). The game can be seen on the CBS Sports Network and can be heard on 750AM The Game. The Steel return to the friendly confines of Moda Center on May 7 when they take on the LA Kiss. For tickets please visit www.pdxsteel.com or call (360) 798-5496.
Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game - PHI QB Dan Raudabaugh Riddell
Defensive Player of the Game - PHI DL Teddy Jennings J. Lewis Small
Playmaker of the Game - PHI WR Ryan McDaniel
Cutters Catch of the Game - PHI WR Chris Duvalt
AFL Highlight of the Game - PHI DL Jake Metz sack of Southwick, fumble recovered by DL Teddy Jennings
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Arena Football League Stories from April 17, 2016
- Soul Shut Down Steel, 70-32 - Philadelphia Soul
- Steel Lose to Soul, 70-32 - Portland Steel
- LA KISS Outlast Gladiators in Cleveland - Los Angeles KISS
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