By: George Torno
Team Falcons kept their MPL Philippines Season 16 playoff hopes alive after sweeping AP.Bren, 2-0, Sunday, October 5, at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The victory boosted the Falcons’ postseason chances, improving their record to 4-9 and placing them seventh in the standings, just behind Twisted Minds, who sit at 5-8.
For Coach Robert “Trebor” Sanchez, the team’s ability to overcome their fear of enemy hero counters was key to the win.
“Yung takot namin sa mga hero, nawala kaya naging ganon yung performance ng team. Hindi kami na-takot masyado sa mga hero na counter sa amin. Nilaro lang talaga nila ng laro nila,” he said.
The action-packed opener was highlighted by Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo’s (Kaja) relentless Flicker-Divine Judgment combos, often countered by Arvie “Aqua” Antonio’s debut Zetian pick.
By the 22nd minute, a tense Lord dance sparked a decisive teamfight. Michael “KyleTzy” Sayson (Yi Sun-shin) secured a crucial steal, while David “FlapTzy” Canon absorbed the Hive’s heavy damage to keep the play alive, ultimately securing the win.
In Game 2, Marco “Super Marco” Requitano (Moskov) landed a crucial Spear of Destruction during a 15th-minute sequence, taking down Jonathan “Jamespangks” Mendoza (Yi Sun-shin) and giving Falcon a free Lord.
KyleTzy (Lancelot) then pulled off another important Lord steal in the 19th minute.
Despite the absence of Owgwen (Hilda), he eliminated AP.Bren’s members one by one, with Super Marco (Moskov) dishing out backline damage to complete a series-clinching 5-for-2 wipeout.
Team Falcons will face Team Liquid PH on Saturday, October 11, at the same venue.
