from the Portland Thunder:
PHILADELPHIA -- Jared Perry hauled in five passes for 74 yards and two scores, but it wasn't enough to keep the Portland Thunder (2-4, 1-1) from suffering their third consecutive road loss, falling 52-35 to the Philadelphia Soul (6-0, 1-0) Saturday night in front of 7,011 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
"We've gone through the rough part of our schedule," Thunder coach Mike Hohensee said. "We have to come back with a sense of urgency, understanding that everyone is accountable for these performances."
The Thunder enter their first bye week of the 2015 AFL season on the heels of a winless three weeks on the road, which included losses to the 4-1 Arizona Rattlers, the 5-0 San Jose SaberCats and the now 6-0 Soul.
"I want our guys to enjoy their loved ones, and get their rest, but when we come back, we are going to grind again," Hohensee said. "Our guys need to find out whether or not they will be the reason we turn this streak around."
Portland fell behind by two scores early in the second quarter and was made to play catchup the rest of the way. Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh hit receivers Shaun Kauleinamoku and Marco Thomas with 32- and 27-yard touchdown passes, respectively, sandwiching a Thunder turnover on downs at the 11:26 mark of the second. Named the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game, Kauleinamoku totaled seven catches for 122 yards and four touchdowns on the night.
Philadelphia, which averages 59.5 points per game, was held to its lowest point total this season. Offense has been the focus for the Soul in 2015 under coach Clint Dolezel, who attempted two onside kicks following Soul scores that provided two touchdown cushions. Both failed, but it showed the third-year coach's intent.
The game devolved in a third quarter that saw 11 penalties called between the clubs and ejections for Thunder defensive back Quincy Butler and Philadelphia receiver Marco Thomas. Portland finished the evening with eight infractions, totaling 60 yards, while Philadelphia committed 15 on the night, for 72 yards lost.
Duane Brooks returned a kickoff from Soul kicker Tommy Frevert 54 yards to make the score 45-35 and bring the Thunder within 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. Brooks' return marks the first kickoff returned the length of the field for a touchdown in Thunder history. Wide receiver Jamar Howard, currently on injured reserve, returned an onside kick attempt for a score last season.
Thunder quarterback Kyle Rowley completed 17 of his 38 passes for 169 yards and four scores. His counterpart, Raudabaugh, threw for 274 yards and six touchdowns from his 22 completions on 38 attempts. Wide receiver V'Keon Lacey was stymied in his return to Philadelphia. The former Soul receiver tallied just four catches for 42 yards in his first game against his former club.
The Thunder return to the Moda Center following next week's bye, taking on the Los Angeles KISS on May 16th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Game Awards
Russell Athletic Offensive Player: PHL Dan Raudabaugh
Riddell Defensive Player: PHL James Romain
J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker: PHL Shaun Kauleinamoku
Cutter's Catch of the Game: PHL James Romain's interception in the second quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: PHL's Shaun Kauleinamoku touchdown catch against the wall in the third quarter