By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It’s a critical Eastern Division showdown for the Philadelphia Soul on Sunday as they visit the Cleveland Gladiators.

Philadelphia is 7-3, but they are coming off their worst loss of the season, as they got smacked out in Spokane, 65-47, last Friday.  Head coach Doug Plank says it’s important his team show its resolve after that defeat.

“No question. The great teams in the National Football League and in college, they don’t usually lose two games in a row.  It’s their bounce factor.  So this is going to be a very important game for us.  Cleveland won the division last year.  It’s very important for us because we lost to them earlier this year, so, it’s an absolute must that we come away with this victory.”

Cleveland won that first match-up at the Center 68-62 back on April 1st.  That game also featured several melees, including one that led to the ejection of Soul center Brennen Carvalho.  Plank says they can’t get sidetracked this time around by any extra-curricular activities.

“We need to contain our composure.  Just stay disciplined, just operate our offense and defense and don’t make mistakes.  These games really come down to turnovers, so its about protecting the football and also getting turnovers from the other team.”

Cleveland is 6-3 on the season.

Kickoff on Sunday is set for 4:00pm.

Listen to Matt Leon’s interview with Doug Plank:

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