For the first time in Season 2, the Los Angeles Valiant secured themselves a spot in stage playoffs, and looked strong moving all the way into the top eight. Unfortunately, their first opponents of the bracket are the team that they have yet to topple.
Preview
Hangzhou Spark (14-7)
In every encounter between these two teams, the Spark have come out the victors with a 3-2 scoreline. Both matches the Valiant have had against Hangzhou so far were very close, but Hanghzou Spark simply always had the edge.
Even more, the Spark’s Stage 3 run saw them lose only one match, which was against the Vancouver Titans. Another big factor is that much of the LA Valiant’s success came from their ability to use the Sombra GOATS composition at a high level. The Hangzhou Spark are one of the few teams that have an actual answer to that.
Unless Los Angeles have figured out a way to overwhelm the Spark despite their knowing how to counter Sombra GOATS, this series looks like it’s Hangzhou’s for the taking.
Prediction: Spark 3-2 Valiant
Player to Watch
With the stage title on the line, expect to see Young-seo “KariV” Park go all out and deliver more amazing plays not only on Ana, but overall.
Featured image courtesy of the Los Angeles Valiant on Twitter
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