Toronto Defiant Week 3 Preview

This fresh-faced Toronto team played to a friendly crowd as the New York Homestand kicked off the Overwatch League opening weekend. Though things were slow to start, they came out on top and ended their debut with a win. With that in mind, fans hope that this momentum keeps going into their next match. With the new schedule the League is working with, the Defiant have a week break before they return to the stage in Washington D.C. Until then, however, they have time to perfect their communication, their synchronicity and their composition.

Toronto Defiant Review

Paris Eternal (1-1), 3-1

This game started off shaky for the Defiant. The first map swung in the Eternal’s favor, leaving this new roster looking lackluster and a little scattered. However, with the substitution of Lane “Surefour” Roberts onto the field, the Defiant started to see some success. Adam “Beast” Denton also seemed more suited to his main tank role the longer he played, shaking off the initial first game jitters and jeers from viewers. 

The winning moment, however, came on the last map. Though these two teams seemed to be fighting tooth and nail for dominance, Havana was Toronto’s to win. Expert head clicker Andreas “Logix” Berghmans stepped up to the plate. With swift eliminations and a map completion, it was time to Thank Mr. Logix once more as the Defiant sealed the deal, and enjoyed their first victory of the season.

Player of the Match: Logix

Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-02-08 / Photo: STEWART-VOLLAND For Blizzard Entertainment

Without a doubt, Logix was the star of the show. Though Surefour could give him a run for his money, Logix’s Widowmaker play on Havana was the turning point for a previously struggling Toronto team. Enemy damage dealer Ki-hyo “Xzi” Jung tried his best to fend the Defiant off. However, picking a sniper battle with someone like Logix can only end in one way: death. Logix showed consistency when it mattered, and ensured that new support player Kristian “Kellex” Keller could enjoy his birthday with a victory under his belt.

Toronto Defiant Preview

Philadelphia Fusion (0-0), Feb 23

Many fans hold this new Philadelphia Fusion team in high regards, despite the fact that they’ve yet to hit the stage. For the most part, the call up of Fusion University superstar Kyungbo “Alarm” Kim has the League lying in wait for their debut performance. Additionally, the Fusion have acquired off-tank mastermind Jun-ho “Fury” Kim from the London Spitfire. With new additions joining stronghold veterans, such as Jae-hyeok “Carpe” Lee, Philadelphia has been topping the preseason power rankings with high hopes and high expectations.

It’s these predictions that put Toronto in a compromising position. Though the opening weekend has taught fans that being the best team last season doesn’t make you immune from a tough fight, there’s really no reason to think that the Fusion won’t come out swinging. Especially given their hometown and home crowd advantage, the Defiant should expect a very aggressive and very fiery Philadelphia chomping at their feet. A shaky start doesn’t inspire much hope, and though the Defiant could manage a scrappy fight, this matchup seems hard to win.

PREDICTION: Philadelphia wins, 3-1

Player to Watch: Kariv

Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-02-08 / Photo: BEN-PURSELL For Blizzard Entertainment

While Andreas “Nevix” Karlsson could contest for the player to keep an eye on, Toronto’s flex support Young-seo “KariV” Park takes the cake.

Alarm is known for his extremely high level play, and the Defiant having someone in that role that can match the same energy is extremely important. Fans of the Defiant and of the Valiant can attest to the fact that KariV, especially on Ana, is a thorn in the enemy team’s side. If KariV can find a way to keep up the pace and keep his team alive while doing it, the Defiant could stand a fighting chance.

Featured Image Courtesy of Ben Pursell for Blizzard Entertainment.

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