As predicted, the Toronto Defiant suffered a loss over the past weekend. The game, however, was much closer than a 3-2 reverse sweep scoreline will indicate. The Defiant dominated on the first two maps, thanks in large to their flex damage player Lane “Surefour” Roberts. Bringing out strategies with heroes like Ashe, Surefour caught the Houston Outlaws by surprise. When they were forced into a Mei/McCree sort of match up, the Outlaws fell, struggling to earn themselves points on the board. However, Dante “Danteh” Cruz is truly a force to be reckoned with. Without an answer to his oppressive Tracer play, the Defiant failed to wrap up the series, and fell in the end.
This weekend, the Defiant can look to the future and beyond. With a rematch against the ill-fated Boston Uprising on the horizon, Defiant fans should feel safe in knowing that this Canadian team should be able to come out on top. This week’s hero pool doesn’t affect the Defiant as much as it affects the Uprising, and with more depth to their roster, Toronto truly has the advantage in almost every category.
Courtesy of Boston Uprising.
A rematch that will surely have Boston fans begging for a different outcome, the Defiant take on the Boston Uprising once more. The last time these two teams met, the Defiant beat the Uprising pretty easily. Despite a map win from the Uprising, the Defiant took it home with a 3-1 scoreline. This time around, they’re surely hoping to do the same. With a hero pool that takes away both Kelsey “Colourhex” Birse’s best hero in Widowmaker, and rising star Tae-hee “Jerry” Min’s best in McCree, the Uprising are vulnerable.
Of course, Jerry showed up against the Houston Outlaws this past weekend, shining on Hanzo and attempting to bring his team to victory. That’s where Andreas “Logix” Berghmans and Brady “Agilities” Girardi come in. Surefour is already known for his flex skills, which means Agilities and Logix can and should be trusted to take care of counter picking against Boston’s damage line. With how well Andreas “Nevix” Karlsson played against Houston as well, there’s a chance that he can go toe to toe (literally) with Boston’s new flex tank, Sigma specialist Thomas “brussen” Brussen. In the end, this game should go the way of the Defiant.
Any damage player on the Defiant could qualify for this position, but the prize goes to Surefour. He needs to bring out interesting strategies to keep his opposition, Jerry, in place. If he can find a way to bring back the Ashe gameplay fans saw on Numbani against the Outlaws, the Defiant could find another bout of unexpected success. Additionally, Surefour’s hero depth is extensive. This depth certainly gives the Defiant an advantage in most situations. So long as he lays off the Torbjorn, the Defiant shouldn’t fear in putting their eggs in this Canadian basket.
Featured Image Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment.
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