PHILADELPHIA – The Cleveland Gladiators dream season came to an end on Saturday afternoon, after suffering a 70-35 loss to the Philadelphia Soul in front of 13,389 at the Wachovia Center.  Cleveland finishes its first season in Cleveland 11-8, while the Soul (15-3) is crowned Arena Football League’s National Conference Champions and advance to Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII New Orleans on July 27.

Cleveland’s offense never seemed to find a rhythm, trailing 35-21 at the half.  With 5:08 remaining in the game and the Soul leading 63-35, Raymond Philyaw was pressured and stripped of the ball, as the Soul closed out the game for the win with their eighth touchdown pass of the game.

Philyaw finished 25-of-49 passing for 304 yards and four touchdowns in the loss.  Robert Redd continued his hot play in the postseason, catching 11 passes for a game-high 152 yards and two touchdowns.  Otis Amey also contributed two touchdowns for Cleveland.

Soul quarterback and Ohio-native Matt D’Orazio threw eight touchdowns on 17-of-25 passing for 184 yards.  The Gladiators managed to hold AFL Offensive Player of the Year Chris Jackson in check, so D’Orazio turned his focus to Larry Brackins.  Brackins caught seven passes for 92 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Soul to its first National Conference Championship in franchise history.

The Cleveland Gladiators want to thank the fans and the ENTIRE city of Cleveland for their tremendous support during their Inaugural Season of AFL action in Cleveland.  Season ticket packages for the 2009 season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Gladiators at 216.685.9000.  Fans can also visit www.clevelandgladiators.com.