The Los Angeles Gladiators find themselves with a 3-1 record and a +8 map differential. This puts them in fourth place so far in the stage standings. They are also in fourth place in the overall league standings, currently giving them an automatic spot in the playoffs, instead of having to play in the knockout round. This past week the Gladiators played the Philadelphia Fusion and the Washington Justice, defeating both. This upcoming week they will face off against the Shanghai Dragons, who are 2-0 in Stage 3.
Overwatch League 2019 Season Stage 3 photo:Stewart Volland for Blizzard Entertainment
The Gladiators took the win against the Fusion 3-1. The Fusion’s only map win came at the end of the game, on Dorado. Los Angeles took them to a hard fought battle on Volskaya Industry, winning 6-5. Overall, it was not the hardest test the Gladiators have faced this season, but it also proved not to be the easiest. The Gladiators all played very well, and as a complete unit. If LA are able to play this way every game, they should be fine heading into the rest of the stage.
In the game versus the Fusion, the player of the match was Gui-un “Decay” Jang. Decay has continued to prove that he should be crowned Rookie of the Year. His Zarya play has improved the Gladiators tenfold.
LA did what they were supposed to do against the Washington Justice. They came out on top, winning 4-0. Though the score was 4-0, the Justice played well. The Gladiators kept the same lineup the whole game, playing some very incredible 3-3 composition. Los Angeles could have dropped a map on Numbani, but some very quick thinking saw them take the point in overtime. Washington played a great defense, but not as good as the Gladiators, who held them fully. Overall, a rather routine win for the Gladiators. It would have been nice to see some of the Gladiators players who do not play as often, such as Riku “Ripa” Toivanen or Hyung-seok “Bischu” “Aaron” Kim.
The player of the game against the Justice was Benjamin “BigGoose” Isohanni. His play as Lucio helped propel the Gladiators to a 4-0 victory. Though he has not been the most consistent player for LA this season, he played very well against Washington.
Photo: Stewart Volland for Blizzard Entertainment
The Gladiators faced off against the Shanghai Dragons in Stage 2, defeating them 3-1. Los Angeles should be able to defeat the Dragons similarly this time around. Both teams have very good Sombra players, and the Sombra-GOATS composition has been making headlines in Stage 3. If Los Angeles continue to play the way they have the past two weeks, they should be able to take the Gladiators down Shanghai.
The player to watch versus Shanghai is Lane “Surefour” Roberts. If the Gladiators do opt for a Sombra, then Surefour needs to be able to play at the top of his game. Even if they do not run Sombra, his Brigitte also needs to be on top form. Surefour has played every game this stage, and rightfully so. He has seemed to breathe a breath of fresh air for the Gladiators, especially after he barely played during Stage 2.
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Featured Image Courtesy of The Los Angeles Gladiators
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