Week two saw the Atlanta Reign facing their first expansion team with the Toronto Defiant. While the first few maps seemed like they could go either way, the Reign continued to improve throughout all four maps. With this stamina and drive to fight until the end, Atlanta continues to look like a team that will be standing alongside the best in the league in the stage finals.
Last Week’s Match
Toronto Defiant 2-1
The Toronto Defiant came out swinging and ended up taking the first map away from the Reign. Not only did they start the series ahead, they looked like they could assert some serious dominance and give Atlanta a run for their money.
The Reign, however, were having none of it. By map two, Atlanta was starting to show their oppressive skill by preventing the Defiant from making it to even the second point on Numbani. Horizon Lunar Colony was the tipping point, however, as the Reign were able to capture both points three times each to win 6-4 off of bloodthirsty support plays.
By the time the two teams got to Dorado, Atlanta was still going strong while Toronto looked tired. The Reign were able to prevent a single point from being taken, and managed to push the payload all the way to the end.
Results: Atlanta Wins 3-1
Player of the Game
While we have seen a lot of Dusttin “Dogman” Bowerman since his surprise signing before the first games, there were still questions surrounding fellow support Steven “Kodak” Rosenberger and where he fit into the team’s strategy. This week answered that question with Kodak blowing up the kill feed. With his more laid back style, he was able to balance out Dogman‘s clutch aggression with clutch support and key picks.
This Week’s Match
Paris Eternal 2-0
While a lot of teams in the league seem to vary wildly in reliability at this point in the league, there are a few teams that are looking solid. The Paris Eternal are one of those teams with arguably the strongest 3-3 play in the league. In the current meta, this synergy has allowed them to handily dispatch highly lauded teams, cementing themselves at the top of many power rankings. While a hard fought loss against Paris will not reflect badly on the Atlanta Reign, a win against them would definitely impress many.
Atlanta will have to be prepared for very tight team play from a skilled opponent. They will need to play tightly themselves while also allowing their star players to tip the scales in their favor. This match will be close throughout, and the Reign will need to be ready to go the distance. With the stamina the Reign has shown in their previous games against Toronto and Philadelphia, however, they are positioned to push the Eternal to their limits.
Prediction: Atlanta Wins 2-1
Player to Watch Out For
The Atlanta Reign will need to play their 3-3 flawlessly, while also shutting down the Eternal’s. To do this, displacement, control, and ultimate negation will be key. The person who can and has been key at accomplishing this is the Reign’s off-tank player, Dong-hyeong “DACO” Seo. With stunning D.Va play in the first couple of weeks, DACO will be a key player in disrupting the Eternal. Look for him to keep the support line safe and prevent the Eternal from taking advantageous positioning. If he can accomplish that, the Reign will be poised to walk away with the win.
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