Team SoloMid vs FlyQuest

For our first match of the day we have a rather interesting clash between none other than the defending LCS champions Team SoloMid and FlyQuest. Now, granted, Team SoloMid are the defending champs in name only, because this line-up is so vastly different to the one that had hoisted the LCS trophy months ago. They’re also less dangerous than their predecesors, but more on that below. Regardless of your allegiance, this is pretty much an absolute must watch in no small part because it’s a fight between two playoff-worthy teams. How well they’ll perform, however, is anyone’s guess at this point.

First of all, let’s make one thing clear right from the very get-go: neither line-up impressed all that much throughout the first-ever LCS Lock-In tournament. They had standout moments, that’s for sure, but when compared to the likes of Team Liquid, 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, and even Cloud9, they paled in comparison. Now, on the one hand, that’s justifiable — both line-ups had very little synergy to speak of. FlyQuest had to rebuild their roster from scratch, with Team SoloMid only retaining their jungler Spica. So, for all intents and purposes, these are brand-new, fledgling teams that will need to go through a lot of trial and error before they can potentially challenge for a spot at the top. But they’re also fairly experienced line-ups (TSM especially) and one could argue that they should’ve done a lot better based on sheer experience and mechanical prowess alone. Sure, they’re not all that cohesive, but when you have some of the biggest names in Western League of Legends, you should definitely perform at a certain level. TSM, however, mostly didn’t. Some of it was Huni’s fault — the top lane legend was about as dreadful as most of us expected. He was constantly being caught out of position, bullied in lane, and had made numerous egregious calls and TP plays throughout the tournament. But the rest of the team didn’t do all that well either. TSM’s bottom lane duo was barely serviceable, and PowerOfEvil and Spica didn’t do much either. Overall, it was a sloppy showing from a team stacked with talented players and grizzled veterans. Have we seen the best of TSM? Of course not. They’re bound to improve and grow over the coming weeks and months, but they haven’t displayed any noticeable amount of potential, and that’s worrying, to say the least.

When you see just how dominant and capable TL, C9, 100T and even Evil Geniuses are, you can’t help but worry for TSM’s chances (or lack thereof). They’re weaker across the board, and that’s not something they’ll be able to fix any time soon — it’s not just a matter of synergy but rather of talent. The gap between them and the rest of the LCS pantheon is as wide as possible, so if you’re a TSM fan you should definitely temper your expectations.

FlyQuest, on the other hand, did fairly well once Josedeodo was able to get his visa approved and land in Los Angeles. They were by no means a giant of unparalleled strength, but they did good. That’s about what we’re expecting tonight as well — a respectable showing from a young line-up with a fair bit of potential. They have a seasoned veteran in Licorice to lead the charge, a promising young marksman in Johnsun, and a bunch of hungry prospects who want to make their names heard. There’s a lot to like, although — much like TSM — they need more time before they can fully synergize and get on the same page.

In the end, we’re going to side with TSM on this one as it’s the only logical choice. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to win, but they’re favored, and there’s a good reason why. They have more experience, they’ve also had more time playtime as a five-man unit, and — pound for pound — they’re more talented than FlyQuest as well. Of course, all of that won’t mean much if they don’t put their best foot forward and “deliver the goods.” In the end, though, they should definitely be able to get the win. In any case, expect an absolute barnburner that’ll be decided by the slimmest of margins.