Fusion Stage 1 recap — Everything you need to know heading into Overwatch League playoffs

Share

More often than not, the Philadelphia Fusion have always had to struggle because of unfortunate situations. In the first season of the Overwatch League, the Fusion had a rough start in the first stage. While the team had a solid lineup on paper, various roster issues caused the team to struggle and miss the playoffs for Stage 1.

With the Fusion's current situation at the start of 2019 playing out in a similar fashion, it’s time to look back at how the Fusion did in Stage 1 of Season 2.

Despite the Fusion locking up their playoff spot for Stage 1, the start to Season 2 has been filled with ups and downs. They were able to start the season off on a high as they dominated the London Spitfire in the opening match, 3-1, avenging their finals loss to the 2018 champions. Along with their 3-2 victory in an exciting series against the Atlanta Reign, the Fusion ended the first week of play as one of the early favorites of Stage 1.

Although the Fusion had a great start to the season, they were hit with some bad news immediately as Isaac "Boombox" Charles was subbed out because of illness for Elijah Hudson "Elk" Gallagher. With this unexpected change heading into Week 2, the Fusion struggled in their matches. As a result of the sudden roster change, the Fusion were defeated by the Florida Mayhem, a team that went onto fail to win another series for the entirety of Stage 1.

The Fusion, who were still missing their veteran Support player, would again experience the bitterness of defeat as they were taken down by the Dallas Fuel, 1-3, knocking them into the middle of the overall rankings by the end of the week.

With a 2-2 start to the season and their main Support out of commission, the Fusion were able to catch a lucky break in many ways as Boombox eventually made his return to the lineup into an "easy" set of matches for the rest of Stage 1. Victories over the then winless Washington Justice and a struggling Los Angeles Valiant enabled the Fusion to secure enough map points and make the Top 8 for the Stage 1 playoffs cutoff.  

However, despite the Fusion being able to field their starting six once again, the victories did not come easy as they barely squeaked through with a 3-2 Week 4 victory against the winless Valiant. Luckily, they were able to finish strong with a 3-1 win over the Paris Eternal to close out the final week of regular play.

Heading into the Stage 1 playoffs, the Fusion's chances at making a deep run don't seem good. Despite having one of the easier schedules for Stage 1, the Fusion did not look as dominant as expected. There are a few reasons for the Fusion's struggles that have led them to being overlooked as a playoffs contender.

First off, while Tank player Su-min "SADO" Kim has historically been a strong performer, he has struggled more than fans had expected when it comes to his Reinhardt play, a hero that is pivotal in the GOATS meta. Additionally, the Fusion as a whole are a team that can find success when its mechanically renowned players such as Jae-hyeok "Carpe" Lee are able to play to their strengths and thrive on proper DPS characters. As a result, while the Fusion are able to play GOAT compositions, they're still struggling to execute perfectly as a team.

(Photo credit: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)

While the team comes into the Stage 1 playoffs as an underdog, it will be familiar territory for them as the Fusion have gone through a similar experience during the Season 1 playoffs. With no expectations for the team in the current meta from viewers and analysts alike, this will be the time for the Fusion to shock the world again.

Considering all the talent on the roster, they could make another great run. While a more favorable meta awaits them in Stage 2, the Fusion will go into the playoffs and perhaps surprise the world again with a great run.

Will they repeat the past and just fall short once again or will their underdog run be fully realized this time? Only time will tell.

Contact Us