Soul Steal Portland's Win

Harrison Brown
Sunday April 17, 2016

 PHILADELPHIA- The Soul bounced back very strongly after a disappointing loss to the Jacksonville Sharks last week, defeating the Portland Steel 70-32. The Soul won without two key pieces on offense in receiver Darius Reynolds who went to the CFL for Mini Camp, and offensive lineman Adam Smith who was out with an ankle injury.

Replacing them were receiver Chris Duvalt and lineman Keith Newell, and both played very well. Duvalt had three touchdowns and continued his role at kick returner. Newell dealt with injuries throughout last season as well as this year's camp, and saw his first playing time with the Soul against Portland. Newell was solid all night in pass protection and had a catch for four yards. Newell played with the Pittsburgh Power in 2014 and started ten games.

Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh and the offense found their groove after a struggle last week and in parts of the first drive. Raudabaugh spread the ball around well and threw for eight touchdowns. Duvalt and Ryan McDaniel had three each, and Shaun Kauleinamoku had two. As has been the case every year, the ball was spread out well to every receiver.

Defensively the Soul kept the Steel in check all night long, picking off veteran quarterback Danny Southwick twice, and only allowing 32 points. A key to that was the return of James Romain, who dealt with pre existing injuries this camp. Romain didn't play every snap on defense, but did get an interception near the end of the game.

Romain should be expected to return to the full time role soon, but Dwayne Hollis has done a very nice job filling in for him these past few week in the middle. Hollis should be expected to get reps at other spots in the secondary in the coming weeks.

The Soul will take on the Cleveland Gladiators next week at home, a rematch of week one. The Soul dominated the Gladiators then, and will look to do the same next week