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SOUL TONIGHT

What: Soul (3-6) at Cleveland (5-3) When: 7 o'clock Where: Quicken Loans Arena (17,500) TV: WMCN-TV. Radio: None. Internet: www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com or www.NiftyTV.com.

What: Soul (3-6) at Cleveland (5-3)

When: 7 o'clock

Where: Quicken Loans Arena (17,500)

TV: WMCN-TV. Radio: None.

Internet: www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com or www.NiftyTV.com.

About the Soul: Coming off a resounding win over Georgia last week and in search of their first winning streak of the season . . .

Quarterback Ryan Vena will start for the fourth consecutive game. Newly acquired Brandon Kirsch will back-up . . . Soul coach Mike Hohensee is 5-0 against Steve Thonn, his Cleveland counterpart . . . Nose guard Darrell Campbell had two sacks last week to move up into the top five league-wide with six on the season . . . Donovan Morgan is the No. 1 receiver, but Syvelle Newton has emerged as a strong second option. Newton has a five-game streak with a touchdown reception.

About the Gladiators: Had their worst offensive performance of the season last week in a 56-26 loss at Orlando. Starting quarterback Kurt Rocco has been replaced midgame each of the last three contests. Reminds you of Peter Laviolette, huh? . . . Rocco played at Division III Mount Union and led the Purple Raiders to national championships in 2006 and 2008 . . . Defense has not been the problem as Cleveland is second in average points allowed (43.2) and first in passing yards allowed (237.4). The Soul are 14th in scoring defense (56.2) and 10th in PYA (266.6).

At stake: The Soul can climb back into the East Division race with a win. First-place Cleveland is 2 1/2 games ahead of the Soul and a half-game in front of idle Pittsburgh.

Poll position: Cleveland is ranked seventh in this week's coaches poll. The Soul remains unranked.

Tickets: Range from $13-$200 and are available at the Wells Fargo box office, www.PhiladelphiaSoul.com or by calling 215-253-4900 ext. 3.

Up next: The Soul host New Orleans on Friday at 7 o'clock leading into the Memorial Day weekend.

- Ed Barkowitz