Soul weren't stronger than the Storm, Fall to 6-6

Harrison Brown
Sunday June 8, 2014

What a difference a year makes. In 2013 the Philadelphia Soul always wanted to play on the road, finishing the year 8-1 on the road including a conference championship win in Jacksonville. This year they're 1-6 on the road, losing in Tampa Bay both times they’ve been there. Bring Tampa Bay to the Wells Fargo Center in week 10 and the Philadelphia Soul win with ease. Tonight the Soul fall victim to the Storm once again 56-49.

If this game had been played in Philadelphia the Soul would’ve won. They’re a better team than Tampa Bay, but seemingly shut down once again on the road. Maybe it’s the amount of young players on this roster, or the lack of veteran leadership. Whatever the case may be this Soul team stands no chance in the playoffs at this rate. With the team looking at the fourth seed the team would be destined for three road games if they hope to make the Arena Bowl once again. Those three (projected) road games? Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Arizona.

“We made enough plays to win this game,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “But, we have to win the fourth quarter and finish. We didn’t do that tonight.”

The only bright spot from tonight’s game in the sunshine state was Derrick Ross rushing his way in the end zone three times surpassing Barry Wagner as the league’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns. Ross has continued to be the league’s only real running back this season, continuing to lead all the rushing categories.

Emery Sammons continues to prove he should’ve been on this roster all year, with six receptions and forty five yards. Sammons had not played football since the Arena Bowl in 2013, and has stepped up and been a consistent receiver and kick returner for the Soul since week 11. He has a great chemistry with Dan Raudabaugh and seemingly fits on the offense well.

Moving forward the Soul will have a tough task next week. They’ll take on the 9-3 Pittsburgh Power at home. They’ll have to put pressure on Tommy Graddy early in the game and try to mount a lead against the Power. The Soul will have a new defensive lineman to help with this, activating Julius Williams from refused to report this past week. Williams was acquired in exchange for offensive guard Duke Robinson.