Philadelphia Soul Win Eastern Conference Championship, Heading To ArenaBowl

With the ArenaBowl in the balance on Friday night, the Soul made sure there was no doubt they'd be playing the championship game.


The Soul (17-3) pounded the Jacksonville Sharks (11-9), 89-34, at the Wells Fargo Center to secure the American Conference Championship and punch their ticket to the ArenaBowl in New Orleans.

“The guys knew what was on the line tonight, and they played like it,” Soul head coach Doug Plank said. “I know we’re all excited for New Orleans. This is what we’ve been working for all season.”

Wide receiver Larry Brackins had a monster night, scoring a franchise-record total of touchdowns with eight, while quarterback Dan Raudabaugh threw for 196 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Brackins finished with seven catches, five of which were touchdowns, and also had three carries for two touchdowns and a kick return touchdown.

This year's ArenaBowl appearance marks the Soul's first since they won it in 2008.

The Soul will take on the winner of Saturday’s Utah-Arizona National Conference Championship.

The ArenaBowl is set for Friday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 p.m.