We’ve mentioned on more than one occasion that the 54th season of the ESEA is gathering pace, and this means that some teams have had to bid farewell to their dreams of continuing in the competition. Unfortunately, Young Stars Academy was also among them. Their start in the play-offs had given cause for optimism. Although they failed to secure a victory in their first match, the team put in a decent performance. Regrettably, they were unable to turn the tide in the lower bracket either, and the Young Stars Academy had to bring their league campaign to an end. So what was this clash like?
A do-or-die match… How did the Young Stars’ battle in the lower bracket unfold?
Young Stars Academy [0:2] LEO :se:
Young Stars Academy [0:2] LEO :se:3:13 | Mirage
After losing their first match, the Young Stars Academy dropped into the lower bracket, where there was virtually no margin for error. The first map of this clash was Mirage, the Poles’ pick, which was meant to be their chance to turn things around and find their rhythm. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be much harsher.
Although the start of the match offered a glimmer of hope for a closely fought contest, with each successive round LEO took the initiative more and more firmly. The first half ended with YS Academy having secured a meagre three points, which put the team in an extremely difficult position. After the break, the Swedes gave their opponents no chance whatsoever. They managed to close out the map quickly, winning it by a decisive score of 3:13 and showcasing their superiority in all its glory.
3:13 | Train
Following a painful defeat on Mirage, Young Stars Academy faced another challenge. This time on Train, which was LEO’s pick. For the Poles, this meant an even tougher task, as their opponents were right at home on this map. The course of the match was strikingly similar to the first encounter. The Swedes dictated the pace right from the first half, with Young Stars managing to snatch just three rounds, once again ending the half 3–9. Swapping sides brought no change in fortune. LEO controlled the game right to the end and comfortably closed out the map 3–13, sealing victory in the match.
The end of the Young Stars Academy’s journey
For the Young Stars Academy, this defeat marks the end of their journey in the 54th season of the ESEA. Although the result was not what they had hoped for, the experience gained may prove valuable for the team’s future development. LEO, meanwhile, continue their run in the play-offs, showing that their form could still cause a stir.
Young Stars (x.com — Facebook — team profile)
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