OCE Regional Event 3 Day 2 Highlights: The Kids Are LA Bound

Just like that, OCE's 2 representatives at the LA major have been confirmed. In one of the closest fights for qualification witnessed, it was the experienced veterans and the new kids on the block who came out on top in a day of high quality, interesting Rocket League. Dire Wolves Start With A Bang

Although playing against Big Goose, who were playing their top 8 debut match, this series would still prove a good opportunity for the Wolfpack to get warm.

From the get go, the Dire Wolves looked strong, as they suffocated Big Goose in game 1 and the first half of game 2, giving up almost no chances to seemingly have the matchup on lock, especially off the back of Misty’s perfect defensive positioning. And even after an attempted comeback from Big Goose, who flew to the lead, 3-1, in game 2, the nerves quickly got to this rising lineup, with Dire Wolves taking their chances to take it in overtime, before overpowering their disheartened opposition in a dominant game 3 5-0 win, taking the series in a sweep.

Pioneers Survive By Skin Of Their Teeth

And breathe! What appeared initially to be a relatively straight forward series, with the region’s rising prodigies, contending for a spot at the LA major, competing against newly formed ‘The Kibbles’, turned out to be one of the most tightly contested matchups we’ve ever seen.

After a disconcerting game 1, with Pioneers’ pressure causing a defensive error and then triple whiff, it was Ghost who rose in the second game, racking up six saves to help keep his team in it, with Viexxn finding the angle to take it in overtime.

And even following a prolific game 3, with the Pioneers relentless offence causing Superlachie to be eventually set up for an open finish, The Kibbles refused to be finished just yet. They scrapped and clawed to stay in during regular time, before Mock nailed a bottom right rocket to send us to game 5.

Having fought their way back into the series, Kibbles looked pumped up and had all the momentum in their hands, with a Ghost dribble off the side wall and Mock double tap opening up a two goal lead. But Pioneers, contesting for their first ever LAN, weren’t to be outdone just yet, and even with multiple shots scraping off the post and crossbar, were able to gift Scrub two goals in the space of 10 seconds.

With the game in overtime and major chances on the line, KCP berated the back board, sending The Kibbles flying to open Bananahead up for the finish, as the team and their new born fan base breathed a sigh of relief as their chances stay alive.

Unfortunately for Ground Zero fans, this win shifts them out of major contention, meaning Torsos will miss LAN for the first time since OCE entered in season 3, perhaps a motif for the changing of the guard in OCE, as these young guns continue to rise.

Ground Zero Take Anger Out On Bliss

With the heart breaking result, for GZ fans, of Kibbles losing in game 5 overtime, Ground Zero were officially eliminated from major contention. Yet despite no longer having a ticket to LA to play for, there were still valuable worlds points on the line, and Ground Zero looked hungry for a win.

They started the series off slowly and methodically, with Express' overtime finish able to overcome Zen's impressive offensive game 1 efforts, but the frustration appeared to have set in during game 2, as Express made an uncharacteristic own goal, and then the team collectively failed to finish their shots, eventually gifting Zen a free finish off the counter attack. Even with the come back mounted from an Express 50, and then bump play off a Torsos shot, tied the series, it was the Vortexioz and Cobbo combo who found the overtime snipe, tying the series.

However, after an early defensive misinput from Express gifted Zen another simple finish, Ground Zero completely turned the tide. Torsos found a bottom right clinical shot through chaos, Express was set up for a double tap for the lead, and a quickly following kickoff goal locked in a 2-1 lead.

With momentum now on their side, the green army were not slowing down, with Amphis finding his feet in game 4 with the tying goal off some aggressive bumps and demos from team mates, before dagger from high won it in overtime. Down 1-3 and demoralised after giving up so many leads, Bliss were overrun in game 5, conceding 3 goals within the space of 40 seconds to fade out of the series, giving the angry Ground Zero a back to back top 3 finish.

Renegades Book Ticket To LA

Needing just a series win to secure their spot, the Renegades may have looked shaky early, with R!OT scoring within 5 seconds before Tango sniped two late goals for the win, but they quickly found their mojo to prove why they're considered OCE's best.

Yet having lost game 1, the Gades were quick to rebound in the following games. Their reads off the back board and from chaotic challenges were near perfect, showing off their poise to take a comfortable lead, before some pristine team plays from Fever and CJCJ granted them the 3-2 win in game 6, icing the series 4-2 and securing top 3.

With this result, the Renegades had locked in a spot to the LA major, their second in a row, proving their consistency and poise despite the chaos currently engulfing the OCE Rocket League scene, as they'll now be hungry for the win in Championship Sunday against long time rivals Ground Zero.

Dire Wolves Crumble

Absolute devastation for the wolfpack, as they have fallen just short of qualifying for the LA major. In an incredibly see-sawing series, where Zen's offence paired with Cobbo's goal line brilliance made matters difficult for the wolfpack, the major contending Dire Wolves found themselves trailing 1-3.

Yet after two highly impressive games from rising star Fiberr, it seemed the series had been turned on it's head, having been tied up 3-3, and that the Dire Wolves would continue their fight into Championship Sunday.

Alas, that was not to be for the wolves, as Bliss rose to the occasion when presented with the opportunity, with the experienced Zen nailing the sole goal of game 7 to take the win for Bliss, locking in their second top 4 finish for the split and securing themselves as a dark horse contender in Spring.

For the Dire Wolves, it's a heart breaking loss after what has been a very promising split. But their success has proven that they have what it takes to contend with the best in the region, having won the first event, and a good Spring split will still hold them in contention for worlds.

Pioneers Soar High Off Good News

Heading into the series, Pioneers had heard the good news; they'd secured their spot in LA! After back to back to back top 2 finishes, and a clutch comeback win in their recent match, the new kids on their block were clearly relieved and ecstatic about the outcome.

But heading into the matchup with one of OCE's best dark horse teams, the Pioneers still had crucial worlds points, money and pride on the line, the young guns weren't looking to take any prisoners. They came out of the gates absolutely flying, and despite R!OT's best efforts, there was just nothing they could do.

With all pressure off their shoulders, KCP looked eager to experiment, throwing in some physical plays, double commit attacks and free style attempts to absolutely bombard the R!OT defence, all whilst having a great time doing so. All 3 members played their part in the dominant affair, and with 18 goals in 5 games, R!OT were never truly in the series, demolished 4-1 in the matchup to now have an 0-6 playoffs record, despite a clean sheet performance of groups for the split.

For the kids at Pioneers, all under the age of 17, they have to be over the moon with the result. They've essentially been teaming together for the entirety of their careers, and after splitting over the off season, before coming back together again, this result is a huge break through for the team, granting OCE 3 new born LAN contenders.