RLO 2v2 Swipe #7 Highlights: Schmory Unstoppable

With finals on the line for some teams, seeding up for grabs for others, and pure pride (and a lovely $800 USD prize pot) at stake for others, the 7th edition of the RLO Swipe 2s Series promised to be an exciting one.

Les Renards VS Imagine Losing

This groups match proved to be a banger, and Imagine Losing, fighting for their top 4 spot, were hot out of the gates with two quick goals. However, Les Renards stayed calm through the adversity, methodically working their way back into the game before a Foxxy flick high locked in a 3-2 comeback win in game 1.

Game 2 was one of the most defensive games in OCE Swipe Series history, with both teams seemingly having two men back at all times, before a Les Renards overtime double commit tied the series up 1-1 for Imagine Losing.

Unfortunately for Imagine Losing, the wins stopped their, with perfect kickoffs and midfield shooting helping to land a clean victory for Les Renards who produced a great performance to advance through to playoffs, simultaneously locking them in for next week's finals.

Pots and Pans VS Sour S’mores

A series so important that RLO, full credit to them, scrapped together the stream early to broadcast this game. Winner goes to finals, loser goes home, and it was certainly all to play for.

The first minute of game 1 was unbelievably high quality, with incredible goal line saves from both Schmory and De-Papel, a Lacasa boys team play, and great situational awareness from Schmory leaving the score at 1-1 at the halfway point. Unfortunately, Pots and Pans couldn't maintain the intensity, letting in 3 relatively cheap late goals to fall 4-1 in game 1, putting their finals chance completely on the line, needing two straight wins to progress.

Early on in game 2, the series looked all but over, as Schmory faked out De-Papel for the first and Sour chipped in with a high shot for the 2-0. Although De-Papel attempted to fight back with a half court banger, Sour S'mores' defence in the last 45 seconds was like a brick wall, securing the game 2-1, the series 2-0, and sending Pots and Pans home packing, whilst locking in their own finals hopes.

Semicircle VS Imagine Losing

A battle that seems to happen week in, week out, promised to be a banger once again. Unfortunately for Semicircle, Hammertoes' motivation has waned in the past few weeks, with limited hours on the game. This was showing throughout the series, especially in game 1, where two defensive errors where Hammertoes looked outpaced by the game's improved speed leaving Semicircle vulnerable to a game 1 defeat.

In game 2, Fin tried to lead the way with an early simple finish and high angle from the ceiling, but it would prove to not be enough, as a Lobby midfield snipe, double commit from Semicircle, and a massive late misplay from Hammertoes on defence gifted Imagine Losing the win, proving once again to be Semicircle's arch nemesis with a 3-0 head to head record.

Hammertoes was the original pioneer of OCE sideswipe, so hopefully his love for the game can return, but at the present stage, Semicircle could find themselves in dire trouble for finals.

Underdogs VS Scarth/Matro

Underdogs' semi finals debut unfortunately proved to be a brutal one. In game 1, Scarth and Matro both seemingly had the ball on a string, faking out both Avenged and Dark King on multiple occasions to soar to a 5-1 demolition, with an early forfeit coming from the Underdogs.

In game 2, Scarth and Matro looked to just be having fun, with Scarth spinning almost the whole entire time. Despite their laid back attitude, they still secured the game 3-1, including a cool team play to finish on, sending Underdogs home with their tails between their legs, and locking in another grands finish.

Off-stream Results

Underdogs Claim First Top 4:

In an epic battle in first round of playoffs, Les Renards and Underdogs battled not only for their 5th seed in playoffs, but also for their first ever top 4 finish, which both teams were vying for.

The series was fought with nearly flawless defence, coming down to a long game 3 over time where Avenged was able to sneak the ball past Foxxy.

Sour S'mores Conquer Tough Run To Grands:

Having already secured finals, Sour S'mores didn't have anything to play for but pride and money, yet those were enough to motivate a big early performance from the team. They swept Deathlikepeak and Ocean, the #2 seeds, before taking down the red hot Imagine Losing to secure grands, confirming themselves as a favourite to take out the finals.

Sour S’mores VS Scarth/Matro

Scarth VS Schmory was on display once again in grands, and unfortunately for Scarth, the outcome was much the same. Game 1 was once again a brutal, high intensity game that exhibited how far OCE sideswipe has come, with a high play from Schmory the only goal of the game.

Game 2 was a far messier affair, with Schmory making an uncharacteristic defensive whiff and even an own goal, but Sour was able to step up to the plate, as he has many times in prior weeks, setting Schmory up for the first with a quick high play before nailing a low shot to tie it up off an overcommit, before a perfect low to high purple shot from Schmory beat out Matro in net to secure another one goal victory.

Needing to pull off the never before seen in RLO Swipe Series history reverse sweep, Scarth/Matro responded well early to the pressure with an instant kickoff goal. Yet despite one defensive errror from Schmory granting Matro a purple finish, Schmory had the upperhand on Matro at the other end, who struggled to stop his relentless attack. Schmory's hat trick portrayed why he's so dangerous: he can score goals in so many different ways. With a fake on the first, brute force on the second, and disgusting gold shot mere seconds into overtime securing it, there is no doubt that Schmory is the best player in OCE, with Sour S'mores now locked in for finals and a genuine contender to take it out.