The days are passing since the start of the 54th ESEA season, and most teams have already played their first matches. Some have played just three matches, whilst others have already played four. Nevertheless, the competition is only just getting into full swing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Young Stars, a team that falls into both of these categories. Their main squad, Young Stars Talents, competing in the Main division, has played three matches. Meanwhile, their academy, competing in the Entry division, has already played four matches. How have the players from both teams fared at the start of the season?
A promising start, a painful setback
Young Stars Talents 1–0 QMISTRY | walkover
The season got off to an unusual start for Young Stars Talents, with a victory without even having to log onto the server. The QMISTRY team failed to turn up for the match, which automatically resulted in a walkover in favour of YS. Whilst easy opening points are always welcome, it’s hard to say this served as any sort of test of form or match rhythm, which could have had an impact on subsequent fixtures in the schedule.
Young Stars Talents 11:13 M4 | Mirage
YS Talents’ first match of the season on the server was full of excitement, but also brought a fair bit of disappointment. The match against M4 was evenly matched from start to finish. The first half ended in a 6:6 draw, and the outcome remained in the balance for a long time. Ultimately, the opponents proved slightly more clinical at the decisive moments and tipped the scales in their favour with a 11:13 victory.
Although the result was close and the battle raged right up to the final rounds, it’s hard not to feel that Young Stars Talents could have got more out of this match. A lack of composure or poor decisions in key situations may have cost them valuable points.
Young Stars Talents 17:19 uwuZA100sm | Train
The third match of the season was a real test of character for Young Stars Talents. The match at Train proved to be exceptionally hard-fought. The first half ended in a 6:6 draw once again, as did the second. This meant that normal playing time was not enough to decide the winner; this time, extra time was needed – in fact, two periods of it.
The battle went down to the wire, and the 17–19 scoreline speaks for itself. It was a match in which every detail mattered. Despite their immense commitment and determination, YS Talents had to concede defeat to uwuZA100sm. Despite the defeat, a match like this can boost morale and show that the team has the potential to compete on equal terms even in the toughest conditions.
Young Stars Academy – more matches, more excitement?
Young Stars AC 10:13 Team Zavod | Mirage
The Academy kicked off the season with a clash against Team Zavod on Mirage, where the whole squad had a lot to prove. The first half didn’t go their way and ended with a score of 4:8. Despite the difficult situation, the Young Stars Academy players fought back after the break and threw themselves into making up the deficit.
The second half of the match saw greater stability and better communication, but they were unable to complete a full comeback. The match ended in defeat, though this did not dampen hopes for a good season.
Young Stars AC 13–5 INPUT eSports | Mirage
In the second match, the academy showed a completely different side to themselves. Their opponents were INPUT eSports, and the map turned out to be Mirage once again. This time, YS Academy controlled the flow of the game from the very start. An impressive first half, ending 9:3, made it clear who was calling the shots.
After switching sides, the team gave their opponents no chance to find their rhythm and quickly sealed the match with a 13:5 victory. It was a display of dominance that certainly boosted the team’s confidence and confirmed that they have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
Young Stars AC 5–13 AOBA JOHSAI | Mirage
Unfortunately, the good mood didn’t last long. The next match, again on Mirage, proved to be much tougher. Although the first half still looked decent, ending 4–8, it was after the break that Young Stars Academy completely faded away.
The second half was extremely one-sided. Their opponents took complete control, giving the academy no chance to catch their breath. The match ended in a 5–13 defeat and served as a painful lesson in just how quickly a situation can spiral out of control.
Young Stars AC 13–8 SkinFlip | Ancient
The fourth match saw a change of map. This time, the battle took place on Ancient. The first half was very evenly matched and ended in a 6–6 draw, which promised a tense finish. After the break, however, it was the academy who showed greater maturity and better preparation.
The players found a second wind, winning consecutive rounds confidently and consistently, which allowed them to pull away and seal a 13–8 victory. It was a match in which the Young Stars academy showed real character. They were able to get back on track after an earlier setback.
What’s next for Young Stars?
Although both squads have had a mixed start to the ESEA season, one thing is certain. They have no shortage of ambition, character and determination. The main team has shown that it can fight to the end, even if the result doesn’t always reflect the effort put in. The academy, for its part, has shown that it can spring a surprise and take control, but it needs to work on its consistency.
YS Talents face their next test this Friday at 8.00 pm, when they’ll take on the Ukrainian side GEDZA on the server. This will be a crucial opportunity to break their losing streak and get back to winning ways.
Meanwhile, the academy will host the Russian side VZ_TEAM on Monday at 8.30 pm. After two wins and two losses, the moment has arrived that could tip the balance and give the team a confidence boost for the rest of the season.
There’s certainly no shortage of excitement, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the young stars’ next moves.
Young Stars (x.com — Facebook — team profile)
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