Controversial call ends in favor of the Soul, ending New York's playoff run

The New York Dragons' improbable run in the AFL Playoffs ended with a disappointing 49-48 loss to the Philadelphia Soul, Saturday night in the Divisional Round, following an unfavorable call. A tight game had the tide turn when the Soul, who was up 43-41 late in the fourth quarter, lost the ball on a fumble that was forced by Antonio Ficklin and recovered by Monty Montgomery. The Dragons then finished off a five-play drive with a two-yard WR Keron Henry touchdown run for a 48-43 Dragons lead with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter. On the final drive of the game, the Soul found the end zone with no time left on a 28-yard pass to WR Larry Brackins, who was tackled near the goal line. After an extended review, it was ruled that Brackins had crossed the goal line before being taken down, advancing Philadelphia to move into the National Conference Playoff round.

"It hurts," said head coach Weylan Harding. "It all came down to a replay when I feel we had the game in hand. Our guys fought and had a chance to pull it out at the end. They played hard and they came together when no one else thought they would. We got to the playoffs and had a great effort against Dallas and tonight. It just wasn't for us. I'm always proud of the way the team plays. There are no words for what I'm feeling right now."

The Dragons trailed 16-6 after the first quarter, but took the lead 25-23 at the half, courtesy of a late second quarter 44-yard field goal by K Steve Azar. The Dragons then fell behind 30-25 heading into the final quarter before setting up the exciting final 15 minutes.

QB Aaron Garcia was strong again for the second week in a row, having gone 34-of-45 for 337 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. WR Kevin Swayne caught all five touchdown receptions, hauling in 14 balls for 166 yards.

The Dragons defense forced three turnovers, including two fumbles and an interception. DB Billy Parker caught his ninth interception of the season, while defensive backs John Walker and Montgomery recovered fumbles forced by Antonio Ficklin and Jonathan Hamm.

The Soul had an up-and-down game offensively, but pulled it out when it mattered most. Veteran quarterback Matt D'Orazio was 20-of-32 for 258 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. WR Chris Jackdon caught eight passes for 122 yards and four touchdowns. Receivers Brackins and Brent Holmes also hauled in touchdown passes.

The Dragons end their season 9-9.

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