Soul Crush Valor in DC

Saturday June 23, 2018

 Soul defense forces a scoreless second half for the Valor and final score of 63-28

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Soul (6-4) defeated the Washington Valor (1-9) at Capital One Arena with a final score of 63-28. Although the game was tied at 28 at halftime, the Soul took complete control of the game, not allowing a single Valor point in the entirety of the second half.

The Valor were off to a quick start as QB Arvell Nelson ran the first touchdown of the game, giving them a 7-0 lead. The Soul had an opportunity to respond, however, QB Shane Austin’s pass intended for WR Darius Prince was intercepted by Valor DB Michael Everett. The Valor let this offensive opportunity slip after two passes were dropped by receivers, leading to a turnover on downs. The Soul evened the score at 7 when Austin found Week 10 receiving star WR Aaron Wascha in the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown. In last week’s thrilling win over the Albany Empire, Wascha totaled 12 receptions for 208 yards and a staggering seven touchdowns.

Valor’s Nelson connected with WR Jared Dangerfield to give them a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. The Soul answer on the next drive as FB Jeramie Richardson bulled his way into the end zone, tying the score at 14. Just when the Valor had an opportunity to take a lead, the Soul defense took control of the field as DL Thomas Dover sacked Valor’s Nelson, causing a fumble which was recovered in the end zone by LB Joe Goosby. The Soul defense continued hits on the Valor offense, as Soul defensive lineman Jake Metz and Willie McGinnis sacked Valor’s Nelson. The Valor were able to get back on the board to tie the game at 21, but the score did not last for long as Soul’s Richardson piled into the end zone, giving the Soul a 28-21 lead. In the last seconds of the half, Valor QB Nelson was able to squeeze into the end zone, tying the score at 28.

The Soul started the second half stronger than ever, as FB Richardson easily made his way into the end zone for his third touchdown of the game, giving the Soul a lead of 35-28. After the Soul forced a turnover on downs, it was the offense’s turn to take control, as Soul QB Austin connected with WR Wascha for a touchdown, making the score Soul 42 Valor 28.

Kicking into high gear, the Soul showed no mercy in the fourth quarter and the Valor struggled to stay in the game as the Soul’s defense played one of the best games of the season. Soul’s WR Prince found the end zone, putting the Soul in the lead at 49-28. The Soul defense continued to dominate the field after four pass-breakup’s in a row, forcing a turnover on downs on the Valor’s next possession. The Soul defense continued to halt the Valor offense, who remained scoreless through the end of the game. After Soul touchdowns by FB Richardson and WR, the Soul completed a successful comeback for the second week in a row with a final score of 63-28. Defensive Player of the Game, DB Dwayne Hollis, recorded an AFL season high of 13 tackles. Soul DL Jake Metz totaled 0.5 sacks, 0.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles and LB Joe Goosby totaled two fumble recoveries, including one touchdown, and two pass breakups.

Coming up in Week 12, the Soul are home in Philadelphia for their regular-season home-game finale at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, June 30th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The back-to-back World Champion Philadelphia Soul are now playing in their 13th season in the Arena Football League. In the previous 12 seasons, the Soul have won four Division Championships, four Conference Championships and three World Championships. Since the inaugural season in 2004, the Soul are the winningest professional sports team in Philadelphia. Season memberships and Group tickets for the Soul’s 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a Soul representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Additionally, fans and sponsors can follow the Soul on Facebook (Philadelphia Soul), Twitter (@soulfootball) and Instagram (@philadelphia_soul) for up to date news and exclusive content.