Constrict Gaming isn’t the only team facing a decisive match for a place in the Galaxy Cup play-offs. Young Stars are also among the teams with a 2–2 record. This comes as a particular surprise, as before the start of this edition many tipped them to secure a quick promotion, whether with a 3–1 or 3–0 record. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and they now face a do-or-die match. We recently reported that they had managed to achieve a 2–0 record (more here). Since then, however, they have failed to capitalise on two opportunities to advance.
First chance to fight for promotion – Young Stars vs Lombard
Their first opponents were a team called Lombard. This isn’t just any old team; these are players who have multiple Army Masters league titles to their name. The first map was Mirage, chosen by our partner. They started on the defending side, but it was far from easy right from the off. Losing the pistol round threw them off their stride from the outset and left them playing catch-up. However, they were unable to close the gap quickly, and it wasn’t until their opponents were leading 4–0 that they managed to score their first point. They added two more, but were unable to draw level. This gave Lombard a boost, and they extended their lead to 8–3. Towards the end of the half, the Young Stars managed to win another round, and the first half ended 8–4.
The second half began with the Young Stars winning the pistol round, which gave them hope of a comeback on this map. Their opponents, however, quickly regrouped and added another two rounds to their lead. Our team refused to give up, closing the gap to 10–7. However, the opponents were simply too strong on the defensive side, leading to a 13–7 defeat.
MIRAGE
(picked by Young Stars)
Young Stars 7–13 Lombard
The second map we saw was Nuke, naturally selected by Lombard. Here, Young Stars started on the attacking side and, once again, found themselves playing catch-up from the outset. They managed to secure a contact point to make it 2–1, but were unable to draw level. This only spurred their opponents on; throughout the entire first half, they conceded just 2 points to the Young Stars.
The second half didn’t start any better. Young Stars lost the pistol round, but won the force buy, giving them a chance to fight back. The score of 11–5 was a good start, though their opponents weren’t about to let up. They added 12 points, bringing them closer to victory. Our partner managed to win one more round, but it was the last of the match, which ended in a 0–2 defeat.
NUKE
(Lombard pick)
Young Stars 6–13 Lombard
Second chance to qualify – Young Stars vs AntyDPM
After falling to a 2:1 record, Young Stars could have faced a number of opponents. Some of them were strong, and some were weaker. One of the weaker teams was AntyDPM, who had just become our partner’s opponent. However, the Galaxy Cup is often a tournament for underdogs, particularly in the group stage, where upsets do happen.
We kicked off this clash on Mirage, which was chosen by our opponents. It is, of course, a map frequently selected by our partner as well, and one they know how to play. This made it easier for him to spring a surprise. We managed to do just that thanks to a superb performance from a player named jkb, who racked up stats of 28K 18D. It was mainly thanks to him – and, of course, the help of his teammates – that we managed to win the first map. As a result, the Young Stars were just one map away from qualifying for the play-offs.
MIRAGE
(AntyDPM’s pick)
Young Stars 13:10 AntyDPM
The second map was chosen by the hosts of this match – Young Stars, of course. They selected Train, a map they play quite frequently in the ESEA Main league. This time, however, the map did not go their way at all. They were crushed by their opponents with a score of 13:5. The reason was certainly not down to the form of any one player, but perhaps a bit too much complacency after winning the first map. This left us with one more map to watch: Nuke.
TRAIN
(picked by Young Stars)
Young Stars 5–13 AntyDPM
Nuke is also a map where Young Stars feel at home and which they play frequently with good results. Here, however, this wasn’t the Young Stars we’re used to seeing in the Main League. Many things weren’t going their way, which often resulted in rounds being lost all too easily. You couldn’t fault their fighting spirit, though, as the standard of play was high. Unfortunately, even that wasn’t enough, and AntyDPM won this map – and, of course, the entire match. As a result, our partner now has just one last chance to make the play-offs.
NUKE
(decider)
Young Stars 8:13 AntyDPM
Who will face off in the decider?
YOUNG STARS vs MIELESE, tomorrow, 31 July, 9.00 pm, broadcast
Young Stars (x.com — Facebook — team profile)
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