Soul Fall to Empire at Home
Saturday May 19, 2018
Soul record second loss of the season with a score of 41-36
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Soul (3-2) fell to the Albany Empire (3-2) at the Wells Fargo Center in front of 9,715 fans with a score of 41-36. This is the Soul’s second loss of the season and first loss at home since April of 2016.
The Soul got off to a quick start and utilized the first few drives to make their way down the field. Soul QB Dan Raudabaugh connected with WR Darius Prince in the endzone for 27 yards to get the scoring started. Raudabaugh has totaled 82 completions on 117 attempts and 19 touchdowns this season.
The Empire responded with a 13-yard completion to WR Joe Hills from QB Tommy Grady, but it wasn’t enough to make much headway. Just when Grady had a chance to connect with Hills in the endzone, Soul DB James Romain caught his first interception of the season.
The Soul attempted to make their way down the field with receptions by WR Darius “Money” Reynolds and Prince. However, it wasn't enough to give the Soul a larger lead. Just when the Empire thought they could strike back in the next possession, the first quarter ended with the Soul leading, 7-0.
The second quarter was a back and forth affair. Two Empire touchdowns were scored by WR Malachi Jones and a Soul touchdown was scored by WR Shaun Kauleinamoku. Soul Kicker Adrian Trevino also kicked a 27-yard field goal to give the Soul the lead at halftime, 16-14.
After a few quick passes to start the half, Grady completed a 24 yard touchdown pass to Hills to give the Empire a five-point lead. The Soul ended the drive by settling the score when Raudabaugh found rookie WR Aaron Wascha in the endzone for a touchdown, making the score Soul 23 Empire 21.
The Empire answered with touchdowns by WR Jordan Williams and Malachi Jones, giving them the largest lead of the game at 35-23. The Empire continued the momentum when LB Terrance Moore picked a pass from Raudabaugh to give the Empire possession yet again.
The Empire continued to dominate with an interception by DB Varmah Sonie, followed by a touchdown reception by FB Wes Mauia, making the score Empire 41 Soul 23. With the end of the quarter near, the Soul managed to close the score with touchdowns by Aaron Wascha and Darius Prince. However, it wasn't enough to give the Soul the win they were looking for. If you bet on this game, hopefully you took the under and the points with Albany.
Coming up in Week 7, the Soul are on the road to face the Baltimore Brigade at the Royal Farms Arena on Friday, May 25th. 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.