Steel Second Half Surge Thwarted by Storm, Tampa Bay Wins 41-40
July 23, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Steel News Release
TAMPA - A Portland Steel second half surge was not enough as the Tampa Bay Storm won 41-40 in front of 8,958 fans in attendance at Amalie Arena on Saturday night. The Steel (2-13) lost the game on a last second field goal attempt by Ernesto Lacayo that was blocked.
A huge second half helped Shane Austin to the tune of 16 completions on 23 attempts for 192 yards, three touchdowns and also scored a rushing touchdown. A streak of turnovers plagued the Steel in the second quarter before their huge second half scoring rush. Steel wide out Tom Gilson led all pass catchers with seven receptions for 108 yards. Wide receiver Nick Truesdell scored three touchdowns on his four reception, 78-yard game, earning him Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game honors.
Storm quarterback Adam Kennedy made his third start of the season and completed 19-of-34 passes for 183 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.
Down 7-0, the Steel offense opened their scoring as fullback Bryson Kelly went untouched into the end zone from three yards out. At the end of the first quarter, the Storm led 7-6.
Defensive back/kick returner Shaine Boyle fumbled a kickoff return and it was recovered by the Storm. Kennedy opened the second quarter finding Prechae Rodriguez for a 10-yard touchdown. On the ensuing Steel drive, the offense stalled deep in their own territory where Kennedy and company would take over and score to give Tampa Bay a 21-6 lead. A promising Steel drive would end up in a Storm interception in the end zone and Tampa would convert that into another touchdown, this time hauled in by future AFL Hall-of-Famer T.T. Toliver. The Steel would end the half with a rushing touchdown as Austin found pay dirt from the one-yardline. The Steel trailed 28-13 at the break.
The Steel would cap off a three play drive with a rushing touchdown from Rashaad Carter from three yards. After a missed point after attempt by Lacayo, Portland would trail by nine points, 28-19. Toliver and Kennedy would hook up again to push their lead to 35-19 before a furious comeback by Portland. Truesdell would catch his first touchdown to end the third quarter. The Storm led 35-26.
The Steel defense would come up huge with a stop forcing a turnover on downs to open the final quarter. Truesdell would haul in a touchdown as Austin found him up high for a 23-yard touchdown. The Steel deficit was now two points, 35-33, and momentum was taking shape in favor of Portland. The Storm would score on their next possession as Kennedy found V'Keon Lacey for a 21-yard score, but a missed extra point attempt by Storm kicker Delbert Alvarado made it a 41-33 lead and a one-possession game.
Austin and Truesdell would hook up for their third touchdown of the night as Austin found Truesdell streaking down the field for a 45-yard touchdown. A successful point after attempt by Lacayo cut the Tampa Bay lead down to one-point, 41-40.
The Steel defense which has been playing much better as of late were able to force an interception as Matt Pierce picked off Kennedy to give Austin and the Steel offense operating room at their own 22-yard line and 4:28 left on the clock. For his effort, Pierce was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Game.
The Steel were able to move the ball all the way down to the Storm 8-yard line where they would try a 23-yard field goal to win the game. With :03 seconds on the clock, the snap from center Robert Hayes was online, the hold from Darron Thomas was true but the kick attempt was blocked at the line giving the Tampa Bay Storm the one-point victory, 41-40.
?The Portland Steel return to Moda Center on Monday, August 1 for Fan Appreciation Night presented by Aaron's against the LA KISS. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. For all ticket information and all the latest Portland Steel news, head to www.pdxsteel.com.
Under Offensive Player of the Game: Nick Truesdell, PDX
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Matt Pierce, PDX
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Kendrick Ings, TBS
Cutters Catch of the Game: Cameron McGlenn, TBS, Interception in end zone, 2:35 2nd quarter
AFL Highlight of the Game: Matt Pierce, PDX, Interception at 4:10 4th quarter
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Arena Football League Stories from July 23, 2016
- Stout Defense Leads Sharks Past KISS, 46-32 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Injuries Plague LA KISS, Fall to Sharks 46-32 - Los Angeles KISS
- Steel Second Half Surge Thwarted by Storm, Tampa Bay Wins 41-40 - Portland Steel
- Storm Wins, 41-40, Blocking Portland Fg Attempt To End Gam - Tampa Bay Storm
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