We recently reported on the clash between our partners in the closed qualifiers for the Army Masters. The Young Stars and the Hussars went head-to-head there (article). The Young Stars emerged victorious from that match.
However, with another spot opening up in the play-offs, the Hussars still had a chance. Yesterday at 8.15 pm, the play-off match took place, in which our partner faced off against ESC Academy.
A quiet start
The first map was largely dominated by the opponents, but the Hussars responded in kind on the second, and the winner was decided on the third map – Nuke. Given such an evenly matched contest, we expected some excitement, but not quite the level that was to follow.
The final map
Initially, ESC Academy took a 6-1 lead on the CT side. Towards the end of the first half, the Hussars players woke up and the half ended 7-5 in ESC’s favour. The German organisation’s victory in the pistol round made things very difficult for our partner, but they didn’t give up and by the 18th round the score was 9-9.
The decisive and most thrilling phase of the match
We entered the final phase of the match, where our opponents forced two match rounds. The Hussars defended the first one despite the opponent’s huge economic advantage. The second was a formality, as it was the opponent who had no money.
We went into extra time, where our team had built up a one-round lead over the opponents after the first half. Then, on the attacking side, they didn’t let up and had two chances to close out the match. They succeeded on the second attempt, and the Hussars ultimately won the map 16–14, taking the match 2–1.
What’s next for the Hussars?
This victory has secured Hussars a place in the Army Masters play-offs, where just one match stands between them and ultimate success and promotion to the Masters league. It will be a clash of the titans, and let’s hope we’ll see an easy win here.
Hussars social media:
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