Cosmo DeNicola Companies News

Sunday, August 27, 2017

SOUL SNARE SECOND STRAIGHT FOSTER TROPHY IN ARENABOWL XXX

The Detroit Drive. The Arizona Rattlers. And now, the Philadelphia Soul. Philadelphia has etched its name in Arena Football League history by becoming the third team to win the ArenaBowl in back-to-back years after knocking off the Tampa Bay Storm 44-40 with 13,648 fans in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center to win ArenaBowl XXX.

After winning the coin toss and deferring their decision until the second half, the Soul defense came up with a huge stop to open up ArenaBowl XXX. James Romain's third career ArenaBowl interception gave Philadelphia the advantage, but the Storm were quick to take the ball right back. Playmaker of the Year, Kendrick Ings drew first blood by returning a missed field goal 57-yards for a touchdown in the longest play in ArenaBowl history to give Tampa Bay a 6-0 advantage. The second missed field goal return for a touchdown in ArenaBowl history was the only score of the opening quarter.

The Soul cracked the scoreboard for the first time in ArenaBowl XXX 4:07 into the second quarter when Dan Raudabaugh connected with rookie Darius Prince to make the score 7-6 in favor of the hosts.

Storm wide receiver Joe Hills made his first major contribution of the ArenaBowl on the ensuing drive, scoring on a 35-yard touchdown to give the Storm a 13-7 lead. On the ensuing Philadelphia drive, Raudabaugh was intercepted by All-Arena First-Team JLB Alvin Ray Jackson, who returned it 26-yards for a touchdown. It was the ninth time a defensive player intercepted a pass and returned it for a score in ArenaBowl history.

Despite trailing 20-7 late in the second quarter, the Soul wouldn't be denied. The biggest comeback in ArenaBowl history began on a drive that ate 4:50 off the clock and ended with Mykel Benson's first of two rushing touchdowns of ArenaBowl XXX.

The Storm took a 20-14 lead into the halftime break, but the lead was short-lived. Darius Reynolds hauled in a 40-yard touchdown the give the Soul their first lead of ArenaBowl XXX, 21-20. Ings' second touchdown of the game capped off a short Tampa Bay drive to give the visitors the advantage once again at 27-21, but Benson's second rushing touchdown of the night, his ArenaBowl-record fourth in his career, gave the Soul the perfect response.

Philadelphia would never surrender the lead.

The stout Soul defense, one that allowed just seven first downs and 194 total yards of offense, the fourth-fewest in ArenaBowl history, came up with their fourth stop of the game at the outset of the fourth quarter.

Prince scored his second touchdown of the night with 9:24 left in ArenaBowl XXX to give the Soul their biggest lead of the night at 35-27.

But it was the next drive that turned the tide of the ArenaBowl once and for all. Sean Daniels logged the seventh safety in ArenaBowl history by sacking Randy Hippeard in the end zone to stretch out the lead to 37-27.

The Storm had some fight left in them by recovering the ensuing onside kick and scoring on a two-play drive, capped off by Justin Hilton's 42-yard touchdown. The Soul recovered Mark Lewis' second onside kick attempt of the night and paid it off with a Shaun Kauleinamoku touchdown.

Dwayne Hollis effectively sealed the Foster Trophy for Philadelphia by intercepting Hippeard with 2:40 left in the game. Tampa Bay's season was capped with Ings' third touchdown of the night with no time remaining.

With the win, the Soul become the first team to win the ArenaBowl at home since the Spokane Shock did so in ArenaBowl XXIII. Clint Dolezel became the sixth coach in AFL history to win a second ArenaBowl.

In just his second game in the Arena Football League, Prince became the first rookie since Rick Hamilton in ArenaBowl XII to capture MVP with his two touchdown passes to go with three tackles on special teams. Benson's two rushing touchdowns earned him Offensive Player of the Game honors, while Romain picked up the Defensive Player of the Game award.

Monday, July 17, 2017

RAEGAN SEALY PREMIERS "CHAMPIONS" AT PHILADELPHIA SOUL GAME

Poet and singer Raegan Sealy debuted her new poem Champions in front of an enthusiastic Philadelphia Soul crowd Saturday July 15^th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The poem has an original soundtrack that had the arena rocking and singing along. Raegan also kicked the game off with a great rendition of the National Anthem.

Champions, which is a celebration of life and the Philadelphia Soul family, was written by Sealy to bring awareness to those around us who are champions every day, like Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers and Social Service Volunteers.

Raegan Sealy, a native to the UK, is a Fulbright Program Scholar. The Fulbright Program, which operates in 39 countries, has an Alumni class that consists of 57 Nobel Prize winners and 82 Pulitzer Awardees.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

SOUL TO TRY OUT WR RASHAUN SLIGH

PHILADELPHIA – The 2016 ArenaBowl Champion Philadelphia Soul today announced that WR RaShaun Sligh (6’2, 220, Temple) has signed a one-day try out contract with the Philadelphia Soul. He will practice with the team on Thursday during the Soul’s regularly scheduled practice at the Wells Fargo Center.

Sligh, a local product from Northeast Philadelphia and a Temple University alum, has been a mainstay outside of Eagles training camp campaigning for a tryout during Eagles workouts. This caught the attention of both Soul ownership and coaching staff. Soul owner Cosmo DeNicola went to the Eagles facility this morning to sign him to a one-day contract to try out for the Soul.

“Being both a Northeast Philadelphia resident and Temple alum myself, RaShaun’s story caught my eye,” said Soul co-owner Cosmo DeNicola. “After a conversation with our coaching staff, I found out that they were already looking at bringing him in to get a closer look, and we decided to pull the trigger.”

“Being a local guy, we have been aware of RaShaun and with one of our starting wide receivers, Chris Duvalt, getting injured last Saturday, we need somebody to step up and take over Chris’ role,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “We have some guys on the roster currently that will have a shot to do that, and hopefully RaShaun impresses at practice on Thursday and can also get in that mix.”

The Soul are currently 8-0 on the season and are riding a 15-game winning dating back to last season. When the Soul play the Tampa Bay Storm (7-1) this Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center, they will go into the game with it being a full calendar year since their last loss on June 17, 2016 to the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff is set for 7pm and the game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and 97.5 The Fanatic.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

COSMO DENICOLA COMPANIES HONORS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL

Fort Washington, PA- Cosmo DeNicola Companies honored the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House at the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday June 10^th, with a VIP event. Prior to the game, lucky invitees could sit in on a panel, led by Cosmo DeNicola, former Eagles GM Jimmy Murray, Eagles greats Vince Papale and Ron Jaworski and Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Susan Campbell.

The panel highlighted how the Ronald McDonald House got its start in 1971 as the Eagles Fly for Leukemia, to fundraise for the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Fred Hill, who had been diagnosed with Leukemia. In a little over 30 years, the Ronald McDonald House has expanded to more than 63 countries and over 200 homes Nationwide.

During halftime, Cosmo DeNicola presented the Roald McDonald House charities with a check for $5,000.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

CDC CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE

Cosmo and Janet DeNicola hosted a Family event at famed Philadelphia Sports Bar Chickies and Pete’s to celebrate the Philadelphia Soul’s Arena Football League 2016 World Championship. Four generations of DeNicola’s, family and friends were on hand to receive their Rings, jewelry and mementos of the magical Championship Season. Soul Man and the Soulmates dance team added fun and entertainment. Each person was presented with a framed photo to memorialize their contribution to Family and Team.

The DeNicola’s 11 year 10 season history culminated in a Championship after 5 combined tries with the Soul and their previous team WBS Pioneers. “We never doubted that we would be Champions, I am so proud of our teams persistence and perseverance. The coaches, players and organization combined to make this happen”, stated Soul owner Cosmo DeNicola”.

In an emotional speech Janet DeNicola reflected on Football and Family and how it was a vehicle for their family to come together, stay connected and share in the joy. Everyone in attendance were also excited about the 2017 Soul teams 7-0 record and anticipate another Championship run.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

PHILADELPHIA SOUL ANNOUNCE COSMO DENICOLA COMPANIES FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY

Lifelong Philadelphia native and serial entrepreneur, Cosmo DeNicola, has announced the First Responders Night at the Philadelphia Soul Game on Saturday June 17. Being an avid supporter of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, Cosmo DeNicola Companies will donate $1 from every ticket used by a Philadelphia Police Officer, Philadelphia Firefighter, or their families, to the Survivors Fund.

“Philly is my hometown. Growing up I always felt safe in my home and neighborhood. The Police and Fire Departments make us secure,” stated Cosmo DeNicola.

The Philadelphia Soul take on the Tampa Bay Storm 7:00 PM at the Wells Fargo Center.

Monday, May 1, 2017

PHILADELPHIA SOUL RAISE ARENA BOWL CHAMPION BANNER

The Philadelphia Soul opened their 2017 season at home on April 29^th, as they were finally able to raise the 2016 Arena Bowl Championship banner. In front of a packed Wells Fargo Center, ownership addressed the fans, thanking them for their continued support and loyalty.

The Soul continued their Road to Repeat as they faced the Baltimore Brigade, staying undefeated (3-0) with a 69-34 victory.

The Soul will take on the Cleveland Gladiators on Saturday May 6th.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Philadelphia Soul Honor 2016 Arena Bowl Champions

In preparation for the 2017 season, the Philadelphia Soul hosted their annual Meet the Team event at Colonial Cava Marble & Granite. The highlight of the event was honoring the 2016 Arena Bowl Championship team as they received their Championship rings.

The Soul's 2017 season kicks off this Saturday, April 15th as the Philadelphia Soul visits the Tampa Bay Storm.

Monday, March 13, 2017

SOUL ANNOUNCE VIRTUA/TOTAL TURF EXPERIENCE AS NEW TEAM PRACTICE FACILITY

PHILADELPHIA – The 2016 World Champion Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League announce a partnership with Virtua/Total Turf Experience (TTE) making the Pitman, NJ complex the official practice facility for the team.

Virtua/Total Turf Experience (TTE) is recognized as Southern New Jersey’s premier indoor sports facility by providing optimal programs in a state-of-the-art facility.TTE is the only dedicated indoor soccer, baseball/softball, arena football, lacrosse and field hockey facility in the Gloucester County area. TTE is on 22 acres that consists of professional-style, lighted indoor and outdoor fields featuring turf field for fast action, fun sports and local training. TTE has 72,500 sq. ft. of indoor space and will be adding an additional 62,500 s.f. in 2017 while the complex also offers outdoor fields and 5 acres of secure, lighted parking.

“Total Turf is an unbelievable facility and we are excited to call it our home for at least the next six years,” said Ron Jaworski, Soul owner. “It provides us everything we need to run a first-class, championship operation and gives our players the best practice facility in the Arena Football League.”

“Not only will our players have a state-of-the-art facility with indoor and outdoor options for practice every day, but the facility is perfect to hold our football related events there,” said Soul president John Adams. “You will see everything from our open player tryouts, our Junior Football Academy, combines and clinics year-round providing memorable experiences for Philadelphia area athletes.”

“We built this facility with the plan of attracting somebody like the Soul to call it home,” said TTE partner Jerry McGough. “Having a professional football team as our newest tenant will only add to the opportunities we provide at Total Turf. This is a big component of our ultimate goal to build the best sports complex of our kind in the country.”

The Soul are entering its 12^th season of play in the Arena Football League, which begins its 30^th anniversary season this year.In the first 11 seasons, the Soul have won four Division Championships, four Conference Championships and two World Championships. Soul training camp begins at TTE on March 25. The Soul season kicks off in Tampa Bay on April 15 and the home opener is set for Saturday, April 29 at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets to the opener are on sale now at www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com.

Full Article can be found at: http://www.philadelphiasoul.com/index.cfm?go=news&show=story&id=13893