Soul bounce back with 70-32 win over Portland

The Soul bounced back from disheartening loss last week with an easy 70-32 victory over the Portland Steel Sunday at the Wells Fargo Center.

The competitive phase of the game did not last very long, as the Soul (2-1) jumped out to a comfortable lead in the first half thanks to three defensive stops — one by way of a fumble recovery — and an onside kick recovery.

The Soul offense took advantage of all of the extra possessions to give the team a 42-6 at the half.

After an ugly four-turnover performance during the team's loss to the Sharks last week, the Soul offense got back to its usually efficient ways Sunday, scoring on nine of their 11 possessions. That is including the final possession of the game when the team opted to let the clock run out.

Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh shook off his three-interception outing against the Sharks to throw eight touchdowns against zero interceptions.

"They let us play catch, so that is exactly what we did," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel after the game. "We were able to take care of the ball and I was pleased with the rhythm of the offense. It is always challenging to adjust to new receivers and both Dan and the receiving core worked well together tonight."

Leading that receiving core was Ryan McDaniel, who caught five passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns. Shaun Kauleinamoku wasn't far behind with four receptions for 57 yards and a pair of scores. Kauleinamoku was also responsible for the Soul's lone turnover, as he lost a fumble during the third quarter.

Raudabaugh's other three touchdown passes went to Chris Duvalt, who ended the night with four catches for 50 yards.

The Soul offense was very productive despite being without the services of Darius Reynolds, who did not play Sunday after being placed on league suspension. According to Sunday Night Sports, he was placed on league suspension so that he could pursue an opportunity to play for a team in the Canadian Football League.

Defensively, the Soul stopped the Steel (0-3) on five occasions with the final two coming by way of interceptions from defensive backs James Romain and Tracy Belton.

Teddy Jennings wreaked havoc in the Portland backfield by tallying a pair of sacks and forcing a fumble.

Next week, the Soul will be at home for the third week in a row when they take on the Cleveland Gladiators for the second time this season at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Soul defeated the Gladiators in the season opener, 59-41.