Los Angeles Valiant: Stage 3 Week 3 Preview

The Los Angeles Valiant had a very successful second week, beating their only opponent 3-1 in an exciting series. Week 3 will feature a rematch against the Shanghai Dragons, as well as a series versus arguably the strongest team in the league.

Review

Guangzhou Charge (6-11)

Coming into this match, it could have been anyone’s to win. The Charge had won their previous match against the LA Valiant, and their record was slightly better than that of the Valiant’s. On the other hand, Los Angeles had just beaten the Chengdu Hunters in 4-0 fashion.

The result was far from expected. For most of the match, the Los Angeles Valiant looked to be in complete control. The only time they looked weak was when Guangzhou brought out Sombra. It’s safe to say that the Valiant’s 3-3 is far superior to the Charge’s.

Player of the Match

Part of what made this series so explosive were the massive plays by off-tank Indy “SPACE” Halpern. He was eating Graviton Surges, and even threw out some Self-Destructs that kept the LA Valiant in the game.

Preview

Shanghai Dragons (9-7)

Courtesy of the Shanghai Dragons

If history is anything to go off of, then this match will once again be rough for the Los Angeles Valiant. Similarly to the Valiant’s series against the Charge, Shanghai’s Sombra was their Achilles’ heel. They struggle to properly execute the aggressive playstyle needed to keep Sombra at bay.

If the LA Valiant are able to pinpoint where they fail in countering the Sombra-GOATS composition, then their chances of beating the Dragons will increase decently. Even then, though, Shanghai is not the kind of team that has to use Sombra as a crutch. Their 3-3 can very much challenge the Valiant’s.

Prediction: Dragons 3-2 Valiant

Vancouver Titans (18-0)

The Vancouver Titans are on a roll in the regular season, and it looks like just about nobody can stop them. Now at 18-0, it would be unrealistic to assume that the Valiant will be the ones to end their streak. There is a history with Los Angeles of upsetting strong teams, though they’ve still always ended up losing 3-2.

This match will most likely be an opportunity for the Valiant to simply see where they need to improve. After all, the best way to learn is from the some of the best in the game.

Prediction: Titans 4-0 Valiant

Player to Watch

DPS Kyle “KSF” Frandanisa has been on fire lately, and it’s easy to see. His Graviton Surges have been as impactful as ever and he is really carrying his weight on the team.

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Featured image courtesy of the Los Angeles Valiant on Twitter

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