Overwatch League Stage 4 Week 2
by Bryce L. Jackson
Notable Matches
Houston Outlaws vs Los Angeles Gladiators
This match had so much pressure on both teams. Heading into this face-off, Gladiators and Outlaws were 7th and 8th respectively in the overall standings and one had to defeat the other to solidify the likelihood they make the playoffs. The match played out with the Gladiators dominating and confusing the Outlaws behind Fissure's excellent play which has been par for the course. The Outlaws could find no answers to what the Gladiators showed them en route to the 3-1 loss.
Los Angeles Valiant vs. Boston Uprising
The Los Angeles Valiant looked to continue their hot streak, the Boston Uprising need to break their Stage 4 slump. The Valiant came out strong and the Uprising looked like they were going to have another pitiful performance heading into the half down 0-2. Then they came out of the half with the energy that was reminiscent of their play in Stage 3. The Uprising quickly tied up the series to force the decisive 5th set. Unfortunately, it seemed like the Uprising ran out of gas as they were shutout in the tiebreaker game and losing the match 3-2.
Dallas Fuel vs Philadelphia Fusion
The Fusion after embarrassing the Dragons and Mayhem in their last 2 matches, looked to do the same against another back marker team. The Fuel on the other hand were not looking to go down like those teams. Mickie has shown out since the introduction of Brigitte and is hands down the best Brigitte in the league. Philadelphia had no answer for Mickie or Taimou who is rounding into form as of late. Dallas Fuel beat the Fusion 3-1 and successfully complete a 2-0 week.
League Notes
The London Spitfire option to deactivate HaGoPeun, T1Zi, Hooreg, and WooHyal in a tactical move to keep a firm rotation rather than continuing to have a revolving door of players. The Spitfire opted to only have them inactive rather than outright release them to give them financial and emotional support, a classy move to a team that described the 4 players as "highly talented."
Best Performers
Mickie (Flex, Dallas Fuel)
Space (Flex, Los Angeles Valiant)
Libero (DPS, New York Excelsior)
Architect (DPS, San Francisco Shock)
Fate (Tank, Los Angeles Valiant)
Fissure (Tank, Los Angeles Gladiators)
Shaz (Support, Los Angeles Gladiators)
Jjonak (Support, New York Excelsior)