By: Arjohn Roxas
Team Liquid Philippines extended their winning streak to three games after sweeping Team Falcons, 2-0, in Week 4 of MPL Philippines Season 16 on Saturday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The reigning MSC champions leapfrogged Twisted Minds to claim solo third place with a 4-2 record, while Team Falcons remained at the bottom with just one win in the first half of the season.
Despite the victory, Coach Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz admitted that drafting against Falcons coach Robert “Trebor” Sanchez was his toughest challenge.
“Mas kabisado kasi ni Treb yung laruan ng TLPH kasi dati niya ring naging players. Pagdating sa drafting, nahirapan akong mag-compose ng 3 bans at 3 picks dahil kapag napakawalan ko yung isang hero sa tatlong mid, medyo alam na nila kung paano mag-compose. Kaya para sa akin, sa draft, dun ako mas nahirapan,” he said.
In Game 1, Team Liquid dominated the map, securing all Turtle buffs and applying relentless jungle pressure.
Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno (Fredrinn) built a two-level lead over Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson (Hayabusa), helping the Cavalry finish with six kills to Team Falcons’ one, without conceding a single outer turret in an 11-minute win.
Team Falcons fought back in Game 2, shutting down Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya (Esmeralda) with constant shortcut plays from Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo (Chip).
Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano (Claude) then stole the spotlight, delivering a decisive Blazing Duet during the third Lord skirmish that secured a triple kill and the Lord, paving the way for an 18-minute victory.
In the deciding Game 3, Team Liquid relied on a late-game composition—a risk that paid off as they survived Team Falcons’ strong early-game push.
The Cavalry turned the tide with a full wipeout at the 13-minute mark, claiming the second Lord and maintaining control for the rest of the match.
Team Liquid will face AP.Bren on Sunday, September 14.
