Soul Uses Big 2nd Half to Defeat Storm

Report From Philadelphia Soul

PHILADELPHIA (May 17, 2014) – The Philadelphia Soul (5-4) outscored the Tampa Bay Storm 21-0 in the third quarter and cruised to the American Conference victory, 62-34, in front of 8,058 fans at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.  The Soul were led by Ryan McDaniel’s four receiving touchdowns and a defense that forced four turnovers on four interceptions.

“We realized we need to have all three pieces to win – offense, defense and special teams,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.  “In the second half, we really came together and dominated using all three pieces.”

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, Ryan McDaniel finished the night by completing nine receptions for 72 yards and four out of our nine touchdowns.  Tiger Jones added six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown. Robert Redd had five kickoff returns for 67 yards.  He also had three receptions for 31 yards.  Derrick Ross had 13 rushing yards and made AFL history with being the first player to have over 2,000 rushing yards in AFL history.

Riddell Defensive Player, Brandon Perkins helped the team with one interception for 16 yards and two pass breakups.  J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game, Rayshaun Kizer had 3.0 total tackles and two interceptions with three pass breakups.

The Soul started off the game scoring their first series with a 10-yard pass to Tiger Jones.  Five minutes later Tampa Bay responded with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by B.J. Hall.  Yet, Juan Bongarra missed the extra point leaving the score at 7-6.  Lacey finished off the quarter with a one-handed touchdown catch.

McDaniel scored his first touchdown of the game with 12:58 left in the second quarter.  Tampa Bay scored back-to-back touchdowns with 11:10 and then 9:42 left, with Rod Isaac returning a 7-yard interception, Raudabaugh’s first of the game McDaniel then had his second touchdown of the game with a 4-yard pass from Raudabaugh.  With 0:12 left before halftime BJ Hall threw an 11-yard pass to Joe Hills scoring a touchdown for the Storm, with the score being 28-27 at the end of the first half. Notably, Ross became the AFL’s first in history to rush 2,000 yards.

The Soul dominated the 3rd quarter starting with Romain’s interception then making a lateral pass to Goosby, bringing the score to 35-27.  With 8:19 left in the quarter, Robinson created pressure forcing an interception by Perkins leading to a 16-yard touchdown.  A few minutes later, McDaniel receives a 4-yard pass from Raudabaugh, making it 49-27 at the end of the quarter.

The Storm scored the first touchdown of the fourth quarter with Hall 7-yard pass to Hills.  A minute later the Soul responded with a 6-yard kickoff return by Martinez connecting to Shaw making the score 56-34. With 4:40 left in the fourth, Raughdabaugh made a 3-yard pass to McDaniel making that his fourth touchdown for the night.  The Soul defeated the Storm with a final score of 62-34.

Next week, in Week 11 the Soul will be taking on the Cleveland Gladiators on Friday, May 23 on the road.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Ryan McDaniel

Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia’s Brandon Perkins

J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker:  Philadelphia’s Rayshaun Kizer

Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Philadelphia’s V’Keon Lacey’s one-handed TD catch in first quarter

Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia’s James Romain’s INT and lateral to Joe Goosby for a TD in the third quarter