Soul begin 10th season celebration with alumni player reunion at home opener
Philadelphia Soul Press Release
The Philadelphia Soul kicked off their 10th season of football on Sunday with a thrilling 70 – 63 road victory over the Orlando Predators. The Soul will begin the celebration of their 10th season at their home opener on Sunday, April 12. Kickoff is at 4pm.
Top 25 QBs in AFL history: NO. 1-5
AFL Press Release
Completing its countdown of the 25 Greatest Quarterbacks in AFL History, the Silver Anniversary Committee has announced the five greatest quarterbacks in Arena Football history.
Soul of the party: Philadelphia celebrates Arena Football League title
Philadelphia Daily News
The city made no official estimate of the crowd, but one high-ranking police official told a member of the Soul's front office there were approximately 10,000 fans and onlookers lined along Market Street and gathered with the team at City Hall's Dilworth Plaza.
Soul are savoring championship feeling
The Delaware County Times
Prior to Sunday, both Chris Jackson and Matt D'Orazio had Arena Bowl experience. Jackson's experience came in 2005, when he and the Georgia Force lost to the Colorado Crush in a nail-biter. D'Orazio made out better in his first crack at Arena Football glory.
With D'Orazio the MVP and starting QB, Graziani will move on
Philadelphia Daily News
When the Soul signed Tony Graziani in 2005, they not only made him their highest-paid player, but also the face of the franchise.
Arena Bowl XXII: Philly's Got Soul and the Streak Is Over!
Bleacher Report
The Phillies couldn't do it last September. The Flyers couldn't do it this summer. The Sixers couldn't quite get it done this postseason. But thanks to Jon Bon Jovi and Ron "Jaws" Jaworski, the City of Brotherly Love can finally sing "We Are the Champions!"
Ex-Rush QB back in big way, in big game
Chicago Tribune
"I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a little bit hurt [when released]," said D'Orazio, who quarterbacked the Rush to a 2006 ArenaBowl title. "I thought for sure I was going back to Chicago and was working on my rehab when I got the news."
Arena Football League gaining credibility
phillyBurbs.com
Today's ArenaBowl XXII won't garner Super Bowl TV ratings, but you can bet that a flock of NFL scouts will be watching when the Philadelphia Soul take on the San Jose SaberCats.
The New Soul of Philadelphia
Yardbarker
Move over Eagles, the Philadelphia Soul are the hottest football team in Philly, and the newest city champs, having won ArenaBowl 22 Sunday. The Soul beat the reigning champion San Jose SaberCats 59-56 in their first ArenaBowl, withstanding a tense late 4th quarter comeback by San Jose.
Jackson has given Soul push forward
Cherry Hill Courier Post
After disappointing exits from the Arena Football League playoffs in 2006 and 2007, the Philadelphia Soul acknowledged they needed to sign a big-name player. Enter receiver Chris Jackson.
ArenaBowl victory only thing missing from Soul wideout's career
CBSSports.com
Chris Jackson already is one of the most accomplished receivers in Arena Football League history. If his Philadelphia Soul win the ArenaBowl, he might move to the top of the list.
Healed D'Orazio is Soul's new star
Chicago Tribune
After the Rush released him last November because it was uncertain about his recovery from back surgery, the 31-year-old quarterback found new life in Philadelphia.
Backup QB has elevated Soul
The Bridgeton News - NJ.com
No one is more surprised to be playing a leading role in Philadelphia's storybook season than All-Arena Football League quarterback Matt D'Orazio.
QB D'Orazio uses his heart in leading Soul
Cherry Hill Courier Post
He would sit behind talented starter Tony Graziani, destined to be a backup. D'Orazio understood his position and was grateful for the opportunity.
Rush reject turns into Soul survivor
The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
Shown the door by Chicago after undergoing back surgery last year, just one season after leading the Rush to victory in ArenaBowl XX, D'Orazio signed with Philadelphia in November to back up veteran starter Tony Graziani.
Soul land in New Orleans, await ArenaBowl
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The Philadelphia Soul touched down on Louisiana soil Wednesday night, marking their official arrival to the city of New Orleans and premier appearance at the ArenaBowl. As the players stepped down from the bus to enter the hotel lobby there was a definite sense of excitement and an overhanging sigh of relief.
Philly's heart and Soul
phillyBurbs.com
Egos are not so enormous in the Arena Football League, where the handful of high salaries are around the NFL minimum, but Morrisville native Chris Jackson could have brought a disruptive big head to Philadelphia if he had chosen.
Soul, D'Orazio look to dethrone SaberCats in championship
USA Today
Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani was supposed to be the one to lead the franchise to its first-ever title after guiding the team to the Arena Football League playoffs in 2006 and 2007.
Soul, Sabercats set for ArenaBowl
Boston Herald
When the Soul take on the San Jose SaberCats in ArenaBowl XXII on Sunday in New Orleans, they will be out to earn the franchise’s first league title against a defending champion that has claimed the crown three times in the last six years.
Graveyard Showdown
bestofneworleans.com
Philadelphia is only a 5-year-old franchise but its public profile is greater than some of its more seasoned counterparts. For starters, the Soul has a rock star for an owner. No, really, a legitimate rock star — Jon Bon Jovi is a co-majority owner of the team.
Graziani says watching isn't easy
Philadelphia Inquirer
Now, as the Soul prepare for their first-ever ArenaBowl next Sunday, Graziani is on the bench, the backup to Matt D'Orazio. While Graziani missed time this season, D'Orazio emerged as the league's top-rated passer.
Soul roll toward goal
Cherry Hill Courier Post
No one could blame Philadelphia Soul players, coaches and management for breaking into a joyful celebration last week when the team defeated Cleveland and earned its way into the ArenaBowl.
D'Orazio is no stranger to ArenaBowl
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Since he first took over as the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Soul for then-injured Tony Graziani during Week 3 of the Arena Football League season, Matt D'Orazio has been the talk of the league.
No typical day for Philadelphia Soul quarterback D'Orazio
Philadelphia Daily News
cal day for Philadelphia Soul quarterback D'OrazioPhiladelphia Daily News, PA - 36 minutes agoAttentive father, devout Christian and Arena Football League Player of the Year . . . hard to make a guy like that look bad. *
Gladiators lose Soul
The Morning Journal
D'Orazio completed 17 of 25 passes for 184 yards. Larry Brackins and Brent Holmes each caught three touchdown passes.
Redemption is Gladiators’ goal in conference final battle with Philadelphia
Chronicle-Telegram
So will it be the Gladiators (11-7) or the Soul (14-3), a team Bon Jovi co-owns, that will make the most of those breaks this afternoon at Wachovia Center in Philly?
Soul must control ball to reach final
Cherry Hill Courier Post
With their title hopes on the line, the Philadelphia Soul will meet a familiar -- and perhaps their most difficult -- opponent this afternoon in the Cleveland Gladiators.
ArenaBowl adds some Soul
The Phanatic
ArenaBowl XXII in New Orleans will have a nice dose of Soul this year. Backed by Matt D’Orazio’s eight touchdown passes and a solid effort by the Eddie Moten-led defense, Philadelphia handed the Cleveland Gladiators a 70-35 defeat in the National Conference Championship Game to earn its first-ever trip to the Arena Football League’s title game.
Bourbon St. special: Bowl of Soul
Delaware County Daily Times
Saturday, there was no clunk. It was replaced by a thump - the sound of the Soul pounding on the Cleveland Gladiators.
Soul is serious about enjoying playoff run
Philadelphia Daily News
"From Day 1, we knew on paper that we were a championship-caliber team," Soul wideout Chris Jackson said. "And as the season started to unfold, we realize that we had the talent not just on paper, but that we were the best team in Arena Football."
Soul ready for semis after 'lucky' AFL playoff survival
USA Today
The Cleveland Gladiators and Philadelphia Soul split a pair of games during the regular season. Their third matchup has championship ramifications.
QB D'Orazio Puts His Heart And Soul Into Team
Evening Bulletin
Spying wide receiver and Bristol native Chris Jackson sitting on some bleachers talking to a reporter, D'Orazio, who already had two other Philadelphia Soul teammates with him, wondered aloud if his favorite target had a way to get to the film session across town.
Elyria's D'Orazio poses big hurdle for Gladiators
The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com
If the Gladiators want to get to ArenaBowl XXII, they will have to go through Elyria native Matt D'Orazio.
Soul wins conference championship, advances in AFL playoffs
Philadelphia Daily News
But the 16,102 on hand can attest that the win was definitely by the hair of their chiy chin-chin. Soul quarterback Matt D'Orazio found wideout Larry Brackins on a 28-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the closing seconds of the divisional playoff game against New York.
Dothan’s Brackins leads Philadelphia Soul into AFL playoffs
Dothan Eagle
Larry Brackins is on the Soul train — three stops away from an Arena Football League championship.
Soul facing Dragons for AFL title spot
Philadelphia Inquirer
The Soul play the New York Dragons tonight at the Wachovia Center in the second round of the Arena Football League playoffs, hoping that rest from a bye week will prove profitable.
Dragons return to hostile territory with a little fire to face Soul
Delaware County Daily Times
The postseason brings new life. It also can bring a growth in confidence. Such is the case with the New York Dragons.
Soul win, reach conference title game
Philadelphia Inquirer
On a play that began with 7.1 seconds remaining in the game, Soul quarterback Matt D'Orazio found wide receiver Larry Brackins on a crossing pattern, and the 6-foot-4, 221-pound second-year man barreled toward the end zone and just managed to reach across the goal line.
Soul offense should cause Dragons trouble
Cherry Hill Courier Post
So, are the New York Dragons just one-shot playoff wonders or this season's Cinderella among the Arena Football League's 2008 postseason entries?
Whoah-oh! Bon Jovi's Soul halfway to AFL title
Philadelphia Inquirer
Without plucking a guitar or writing infectious lyrics for a generation of fans to memorize, Jon Bon Jovi has scored himself another No. 1 hit.
Soul seek 1st Eastern Division championship
Philadelphia Inquirer
When the Soul played the New York Dragons on March 16, quarterback Tony Graziani passed for six touchdowns before suffering a knee injury. Backup Matt D'Orazio came in for him as the Soul went on to a 63-42 win.
Push for playoff No. 1 starts tonight for Soul
Cherry Hill Courier Post
As the 2008 Arena Football League season enters its final two regular-season weekends, the Soul have reclaimed control of their own destiny.
D'Orazio, Smith lead Soul past Desperados
Philadelphia Inquirer
Matt D'Orazio's near-perfect effort off the bench is likely to be the one everyone remembers from the Soul's 71-64 win over the Dallas Desperados last night in the Arena Football League.
No replay, no win, but plenty of points
Fort Worth Star Telegram
If the Dallas Desperados were to make the case for instant replay to be a part of Arena Football League regular season, the fourth quarter might have given them some video evidence.
Soul face important test today
Cherry Hill Courier Post
It seems like a long time since the Soul were 9-0 and streaking toward an Eastern Division title in the Arena Football League's National Conference.
Pool of quality QBs running thin
ESPN
GMs looking to the Arena Football League for the next Kurt Warner will have to pick him out of a lineup featuring current AFL passing leaders Matt D'Orazio, Joe Germaine, Russ Michna, Tony Graziani, Chris Greisen, Aaron Garcia, Raymond Philyaw, Matt Nagy, Shane Stafford and, well, best of luck to ya.
Lowly Kansas City drops stumbling Soul
Philadelphia Inquirer
All the Soul needed last night to clinch a spot in the Arena Football League playoffs was a win over the lowly Kansas City Brigade.
Soul search for return to winning ways
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The Soul (9-2) will go into tonight's game against the Columbus Destroyers in the Wachovia Center needing a win to get back on track after losing two straight, including a 63-62 loss to Georgia on Monday.
Loss doesn't change postseason goal for the Soul
Cherry Hill Courier Post
"You're always thinking in the back of your mind that maybe we can do it," Soul coach Bret Munsey said of his thoughts about a perfect season leading into the Cleveland game. "But at the same time, you realize it's a pretty tough thing to do."
Soul's Graziani still out a while
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Matt D'Orazio will resume his role as starting quarterback when the Soul visit the Georgia Force Monday night for an Arena Football League game.
Cleveland hands weary Soul first loss of season
Philadelphia Daily News
Coming off a crucial Eastern Division win over Dallas 4 nights earlier, the Soul was ripe for the picking last night and the Cleveland Gladiators picked. Cleveland scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns and took advantage of a late fumble to hand Philadelphia its first loss, 67-55, in an Arena Football League matchup front of 13,721 fans at Quicken Loans Arena.
Soul's depth a key to staying perfect
Philadelphia Inquirer
The Soul tore apart the Dallas Desperados in every phase of the game Monday, scoring 57 points against the Arena Football League's top-ranked defense and intercepting Dallas quarterback Clint Dolezel four times.
Soul must leap mental barrier in order to stay undefeated
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Tonight, they will face a tough mental challenge. That's because -- with only four days to prepare -- the Soul (9-0) must play the Cleveland Gladiators (4-4) in Cleveland.
Soul, D'Orazio rout Desperados
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Once again the injured Tony Graziani gave way to Matt D'Orazio, who led the team to a 9-0 start with a 57-28 victory over the previously unbeaten Dallas Desperados (7-1) Monday in the Wachovia Spectrum.
Soul crushes Desperados in AFL battle of unbeatens
Philadelphia Daily News
It doesn't matter the time of year, if a professional football team comes to this town sporting a big, blue star on its helmets, you're gonna have some excitement.
Soul, Dallas put perfect marks on line in matchup
Cherry Hill Courier Post
When the Soul host the Dallas Desperados at the Wachovia Spectrum at 8 tonight, it will be the first time in league history that two undefeated teams have met this late in the season.
Soul out to win battle of unbeatens
Philadelphia Inquirer
The quarterbacks for the Soul and the Dallas Desperados took some friendly jabs at each other last week during a teleconference in advance of tonight's clash of the Arena Football League's two unbeatens.
AFL Monday Night Football preview: Dallas at Philadelphia
Covers
I don’t make many comparisons between the NFL and Arena Football, but this is one time where comparisons make perfect sense. This will mark the first time in 22 years of the AFL in which two undefeated teams will meet this late in the season (ironically, also in Week 9).
Jon Bon Jovi ... You had me from hello
ESPN
I hadn't lived until I answered my phone to be greeted by the unidentified caller's dreamlike salute: "Mary, hey. Jon Bon Jovi."
AFL brawl: Undefeated Dallas, Philly set to tango
USA Today
Jon Bon Jovi gave the Philadelphia Soul worldwide recognition. Tony Graziani, Matt D'Orazio and Chris "Money" Jackson made them perfect.
Smash hit: Philadelphia Soul a success
Helena Independent Record
Jon Bon Jovi gave the Philadelphia Soul worldwide recognition. Tony Graziani, Matt D’Orazio and Chris “Money” Jackson made them perfect.
Soul still undefeated but Graziani aggravates injury
Philadelphia Daily News
The Soul kept its undefeated record intact with a 76-55 win over the Columbus Destroyers at Nationwide Arena last night in the Arena Football League.
Arena football: Destroyers might want to do some soul-searching
Columbus Dispatch
The Destroyers embraced their nationally televised game last night against the undefeated Philadelphia Soul as an ideal showcase to show that their disappointing record was a fluke.
Soul may have quarterback Graziani back tonight
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Those reports last week that quarterback Tony Graziani was ready to return as the starter for the Soul proved to be premature.
Destroyers hope to make stand against 7-0 Soul
Columbus Dispatch
With three surprising playoff victories last summer, the Destroyers changed their reputation.
With Graziani still injured, D'Orazio rallies undefeated Soul
Philadelphia Daily News
It was a game that was slated as the anticipated return of quarterback Tony Graziani. Instead, it ended up being the exclamation point to a month of outstanding play from backup Matt D'Orazio.
Soul stay undefeated with comeback win
Philadelphia Inquirer
Clifton Smith's two-point conversion with 10 seconds remaining Saturday night gave the undefeated Soul a 58-57 comeback win over the San Jose SaberCats in an Arena Football League game at the HP Pavilion.
Soul finding it can bank on receiver Jackson
Philadelphia Daily News
Soul wideout Chris "Money" Jackson proved he's worth every penny in Saturday's 64-56 victory over Utah at the Wachovia Spectrum.
Soul's defense smothers Utah
Philadelphia Inquirer
Utah has struggled to finish its Arena Football League games this season. The Soul's defense made sure the Blaze never got the chance to redeem their late-game woes last night.
Unbeaten Soul wary of winless Blaze
Philadelphia Inquirer
The 5-0 Soul sit atop the Arena Football League, sharing that coveted perch with the Dallas Desperados. At 0-5, the Utah Blaze are looking up at the league's 16 other teams.
Soul not taking winless Blaze lightly
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The 5-0 Soul will take on the 0-5 Utah Blaze in a 7 p.m. Arena Football League game today at the Wachovia Spectrum, and the records indicate this shouldn't be a very tough game for the home team.
Utah Blaze: Blaze still looking for first victory
Deseret News
On paper it looks as lopsided as can be. The 0-5 Utah Blaze, owners of the worst record in the Arena Football League, facing the hottest team around, the 5-0 Philadelphia Soul.
Soul stay undefeated
Philadelphia Inquirer
Utah has struggled to finish its Arena Football League games this season. The Soul's defense made sure the Blaze never got the chance to overcome their late-game woes tonight.
Unbeaten Soul praise unsung defense
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The Soul have scored more than 60 points in each of their four games this season, and that makes it easy to downplay the defense's role in the team's 4-0 start.
Jackson has huge game for the Soul
Los Angeles Times
It's not as if the Avengers didn't know what Chris Jackson could do to an opponent. Jackson played for the Avengers for five seasons and caught 157 touchdown passes.
Soul start life minus Graziani
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The Soul figure to face their toughest test of the young Arena Football League season when they rely on backup quarterback Matt D'Orazio to lead the way in a road matchup against the Los Angeles Avengers at the Staples Center.
D'Orazio out to sustain Soul's momentum
Philadelphia Inquirer
Tony Graziani was supposed to be firing touchdown passes to Chris Jackson in Los Angeles tonight for the first time since the heralded twosome left the Avengers after the 2004 season.
Breaking it down - 2008 Week Three
Andy Lopusnak, ArenaFan.com
With Week Three of the 2008 Arena Football League season in the books, here are some breakdowns of this past week’s AFL action based on interesting statistical and historical notes, weekly leaders and other things from each game.
AFL WEEK 4 POWER POLL; ATTENDANCE AT ALL-TIME HIGH
Bleacher Report
Well with three weeks already done in the 2008 Arena Football season, the attendance is now at an all-time high for the first three weeks. The average attendance for the first three weeks of games is 13,254 fans per game.
Graziani hurt in Soul's triumph
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The look on Tony Graziani's face and the tone of his voice conveyed an uncomfortable mix of pain and anger. "It was pretty cheap," said the Soul quarterback. "I've been late hit a lot. I've been cheap shot a lot. But that was the worst."
Graziani out 3-4 weeks
Philadelphia Soul Press Release
Philadelphia Soul starting quarterback Tony Graziani is expected to miss the next three-to-four weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
What can Brown do for Soul? Ignite them
Philadelphia Inquirer
Soul coach Bret Munsey doesn't think most fans would recognize Mike Brown without football gear. On the field, that's a different story.
Defensive back Brown helps Soul get off to fast start
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Two games does not make a season, but there can be little denying the Soul have lived up to the expectations of the players and coaches.
World's worst pro sports job
Baltimore Sun
I was watching the Los Angeles Avengers against the Arizona Rattlers in Arena Football League action last night and it occurred to me that the most thankless job in sports might be that of a defensive back in the AFL.
Soul defeat the Rush
Philadelphia Inquirer
Instead of holding back, or getting called for holding again, the Soul responded with a second-half punch for a 60-49 victory against the Chicago Rush yesterday at the sold-out Allstate Arena to remain undefeated. No one slugged harder than cornerback Mike Brown, who picked off Rush quarterback Sherdrick Bonner on back-to-back third-quarter plays.
Soul score eight touchdowns in victory over Chicago Rush
Philadelphia Daily News
With Chicago defenders bearing down during the second quarter of yesterday's Arena Football League game against the Rush, the last thing Soul veteran Mike Brown was expecting was a 54-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Brown too much for Rush
Chicago Daily Herald
The Philadelphia Soul's Mike Brown estimated he ran about 75 yards during his second-quarter, 54-yard kickoff return for a touchdown Sunday against the Chicago Rush.
Soul offense off to fast start
Cherry Hill Courier Post
To the casual observer, it seemed the Soul offense was pretty close to perfect last week. The unit scored on all 10 possessions and Mike Brown added a kickoff return for a score in a 77-56 rout of the Orlando Predators in the Soul's Arena Football League season opener.
Matt D'Orazio gives the Phila. Soul depth at QB
Philadelphia Inquirer
If the Soul learned one thing last year, it was that it pays to have a quality backup quarterback waiting in the wings.
Week 1 Power Poll Rankings
Bleacher Report
Here is the first power rankings going into week 1 of the Arena Football season.
Soul get ready for season opener
Philadelphia Inquirer
If the Soul learned one thing last year, it was that it pays to have a quality backup quarterback waiting in the wings.
Soul season ready to kick off
Cherry Hill Courier Post
The Soul begins its fifth Arena Football League season Saturday night amid high hopes that the team is equipped to make a strong run for an Arena Bowl championship.
Jackson, Soul take aim at title
Cherry Hill Courier Post
Chris Jackson has traveled many miles and he's accomplished a lot of things since leaving his childhood home in Morrisville, Pa., in Bucks County.
D'Orazio signs with Soul
Philadelphia Daily News
One of the first things the Soul did this offseason was re-sign star quarterback Tony Graziani. Now the team has solidified his backup with a real good name in Arena Football League circles.
Jackson signing gives Graziani, Soul a potent weapon
Philadelphia Daily News
Soul wide receiver Chris Jackson yesterday was introduced amid a number of news cameras, a gaggle of VIP ticketholders and several baskets of crab fries. And, oh, yeah, a certain recognizable rock star.
Desperados' Dolezel rings up No. 800
Dallas Morning News
Clint Dolezel became the first Arena Football League quarterback to throw 800 career touchdown passes, tossing five scores in the Dallas Desperados' 57-41 victory over the Philadelphia Soul on Monday night.
|