The Soul (13-3) got the bye for winning the Eastern Division. New York (9-8) advanced by upsetting host Dallas, 77-63, on June 27.

"That's one thing they've got on us is that they've played a playoff game already," Soul coach Bret Munsey said. "We've had a bye week during the season, and we came out and played well. The playoffs are a different tempo, and we hope to come out and play well right from the get-go."

The winner advances to the National Conference title game against the winner of Monday's contest between Cleveland and Georgia. The Soul would host the conference championship game if it wins tonight.

The National and American Conference winners meet in Arena Bowl XXII on July 27 in New Orleans.

The Soul had the AFL's best record, including two wins over New York.

On March 16, the Soul won, 63-42, but lost starting quarterback Tony Graziani to a knee injury on a late hit in the third period. Matt D'Orazio stepped into Graziani's spot and the Soul kept moving.

Graziani is now healthy, but D'Orazio was named the starter earlier this week. In the regular-season finale June 22, D'Orazio completed 21 of 28 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Soul clinched the division crown.

Wide receiver Chris Jackson caught nine passes for 96 yards and a score in that game, and also threw a touchdown pass to fullback Wes Ours.

"I think both teams feel a certain advantage for the fact that you are familiar with each other, having played twice, and being in the same division," Jackson said. "But with us having won two of those games, we definitely have the confidence to know that we can beat them if we play well."

New York quarterback Aaron Garcia threw nine touchdown passes last week to lead the Dragons past Dallas.

"They are a dangerous team with a veteran quarterback, and in this game, that's all you need," Jackson said. "We can't just show up and expect to win."

New York coach Weylan Hardgin saw a lot of value in his team's win at Dallas last week.

"You know, facing one of the top-tier teams in this league and our division, it kind of got us prepped for a similar situation going up there to Philadelphia, when you're playing the number one team in the league," he said.