Everyone around the world is getting excited for the Call of Duty League opening weekend in Minnesota. Online practice is coming to an end and Optic Gaming LA are looking sharp going into the event. Their roster features a combination of young talent and experienced leaders that are looking to make a splash this year. For fans of the Optic Gaming LA team, or just fans of the CDL scene, here is a 2020 season preview.
Roster
Head Coach: Johnathan “Pacman” Tucker
Starting Roster:
Brandon “Dashy” Otell
Jordan “JKap” Kaplan
Kenny “Kenny” Williams
Austin “SlasheR” Liddicoat
Thomas “TJHaLy” Haly
Substitutes:
Martin “Chino” Chino
Jevon “Goonjar” Gooljar-Lim
Optic Gaming LA put together a good roster this season adding solid veterans to the team along with young superstars. Players like JKap and SlasheR have won tournaments time and time again while players like Dashy and TJHaLy provide the raw talent teams look for to take them to the next level. If this roster can find their footing early in the season, they will easily be able to compete with the best teams in the league.
Coach Background
Pacman is a long-time Call of Duty veteran who’s playing days date all the way back to 2013 in Black Ops II. His most dominant years were with Rise Nation during the Ghosts and Advanced Warfare seasons. This seasoned veteran knows what it takes to win and should provide solid analysis and help for this roster.
Player Background
Dashy is one of the star players on this roster and it is no secret around the league. After his dominant two year run with OpTic Gaming, Dashy has become one of the premier players in the Call of Duty League. His role as an AR slayer should put him in a position to put up big numbers this season.
JKap has been a part of the Call of Duty scene for over a decade now and there is a reason he is still around today. He brings solid experience to this team while remaining one of the best players in the league. This two-time champion is coming off of a solid season with Evil Geniuses and looks to carry this momentum into the next season.
Kenny has the potential to be one of the best players on the team this year. His ability to heat up in major tournaments provides his team with big momentum boosts to compete at the next level. After his solid run with 100 Thieves these past few seasons, he is in a prime position to take the spotlight in the CDL this season.
SlasheRÂ is easily one of the most entertaining players on this roster. His run with 100 Thieves alongside Kenny was one to remember. This vocal player has the potential to dominate other teams with his elite talent and he is always looking to make a scene while doing it.
TJHaLy is coming off of a solid season with OpTic Gaming last year after putting up solid numbers alongside Dashy. The hot duo of TJ and Dashy are only going to get hotter going into this season. His role as a support SMG player fits him perfectly and he should be able to perform well.
2020 Homestead Schedule
Optic will be hosting these teams from March 7-8:
- Dallas Empire
- Atlanta Faze
- Minnesota Rokkr
- Los Angeles Guerrillas
- Florida Mutineers
- New York Subliners
- Seattle Surge
Most Anticipated Games for 2020
The whole league already knows LA has a rivalry under development. With the city housing two teams, the LA Guerrillas and Optic Gaming LA will provide an exciting matchup this year. Upcoming matches against the Chicago Huntsmen should be a good matchup as well. The change in ownership of the Optic Franchise has left some fans with a bitter taste in their mouth. Optic Gaming will look to dominate the series against Chicago and cement their identity as a top team.
Player to Watch
It is hard to pick just one player to look out for this season but Dashy stands out a little more than the rest. His freak slaying ability and exciting playstyle are sure to give fans something to look forward to. If he is anywhere near his usual self this season, there is a lot to be excited about.
2020 Keys to Success
This team can easily make a run for the top this year. To do so, they will need to make strong connections between their veteran leadership and young talent. This will allow fundamentals to come second nature and slaying will not be close to an issue. This combination of players should make teams scared of Optic Gaming LA for the 2020 season.
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