In a classic North America versus Europe rivalry game Team SoloMid faced off against Origen in the Intel Extreme Masters San Jose League of Legends semifinals.
Both teams were playing with new rosters this weekend, but Team SoloMid were at a disadvantage with four new players. What came as no surprise for most spectators, Origen took the games 2-0.
The series marked the debut of new Origen mid laner Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage, who will reportedly rotate with veteran Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez throughout next year’s European League Championship Series (LCS).
But the highlight plays came from veteran top laner Paul “sOAZ” Boyer, who led the squad through both games with masterful play on champions Rumble and Riven.
Origen’s rookie marksman Jesper “Niels” Svenningsen also played very well, similar to his performance last month at the 2015 League World Championship.
The loss may have effects on Team SoloMid’s new roster as support Raymond “kaSing” Tsang is currently in limbo. According to his statement in the team’s roster reveal, Tsang is not sure whether he’ll stay with the squad permanently or return home to the currently gutted EU LCS.
Team SoloMid doesn’t go home in shame, it managed to take out a 2-0 victory over China’s LGD Gaming in the quarterfinals yesterday.
The new Team SoloMid roster came together after two of the its veterans Marcus “Dyrus” Hill and Ham “Lustboy” Jang-sik retired, while jungler Lucas “Santorin” Larsen parted ways.
But in what were some of the biggest moves of this offseason, the organization signed two star Europeans, former SK Gaming jungler Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen, and former H2K support Tsang. It also added North American rookie top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell, who previously played with Gravity Gaming.
Origen goes up against North American team Counter Logic Gaming in the IEM San Jose grand finals.
Photo by Jonathan Tayag via ESL
