RESULTS: Philadelphia Fusion Knock over the Houston Outlaws in a Tough Battle

Both teams entered this match looking for the victory, but after a gruelling five map series, only the Philadelphia Fusion were able to walk away with their heads held high. Here’s a brief breakdown of the match.

The first map, Volskaya Industries, proved to be a tough battle for both teams. Though Philadelphia was able to get an early advantage on their first attack, Houston were still present to contest their every move. Despite the best efforts of Houston however, the Fusion were able to capture the first point before advancing onto the second point and claiming that after another fierce battle. Houston’s attack was no less fierce, and they were also able to capture the first point before advancing onto the second. Despite the best efforts of the Fusion squad, Houston were also able to capture the second point, leading to another tense overtime round between these two teams. The Fusion were up first again, trying to repeat their earlier success by quickly capturing the first checkpoint. They were unable to surmount the Houston defence on the second point however, and would have to be content with three total points as they looked to defend. Houston’s attack was much more successful, as they quickly secured the first point before rapidly assaulting the second. With time running out, Houston managed to claim enough capture percentage to give them the win and an early 1-0 lead.

The second map, Numbani, was another close contest between these two teams. The Fusion again led off the attack, finding success as they attacked the first point. With the payload secured, the Fusion quickly began to push the payload, reaching the second checkpoint with relative ease before being slowed at the third. Houston’s defence was not enough to fully stop Philadelphia however, as the Fusion escorted the payload through to the final checkpoint with time to spare. The Houston attack was much the same, capturing the first point and starting to move the payload through the map. The defence from Philadelphia was also not enough to fully stop Houston’s attack, and the Outlaws were able to escort the payload to the end of its course to set up another overtime battle. Houston took first crack at the second attack, again capturing the first checkpoint and starting to move the payload. Their attack stalled just before reaching the second checkpoint however, as the Fusion managed to drive them away long enough for the timer to run out. Philadelphia’s attack proved to be equally as successful, securing the payload and beginning its journey across the map. They only had to reach a certain point to claim victory, and despite the best efforts of Houston’s defence, the Fusion managed to reach the required distance to win the map and tie up the series score.

The third map, Ilios, started out very close. Both teams spent significant time on the point, with Houston reaching 99% before being driven off. Philadelphia proved to be just a tad better in this clash, claiming the first round and carrying their momentum through to the next. The second round was much more one-sided, with Philadelphia crushing the Houston Outlaws as they captured and held the point. Despite Houston’s attempts to retake the point, Philadelphia held on to secure the second round and set up a 2-1 map lead.

The fourth map, Junkertown, was the stumbling block for the Philadelphia Fusion. Their initial attack fell short of the mark as they could not overcome the Houston Defence leading up to the first checkpoint. Houston’s attack went much better, blitzing through the Fusion defence to easily reach the required distance. With this map victory, Houston tied up the series 2-2 to guarantee another overtime map.

The fifth and final map, Oasis, proved to be the breaking point for the Houston Outlaws. Despite putting 98% on the first capture round, Houston could not maintain control of the area, allowing the Fusion to ultimately claim the first round. The second round proved to be as heartbreaking as the first for Houston fans, as the team again could not manage to fully capture the objective, forced to watch as Philadelphia ran percentage up before ultimately claiming victory. With this, Philadelphia claimed the round, map, and series over the Houston Outlaws, 3-2.

For more Overwatch League action, check out the contest between the London Spitfire and the Florida Mayhem, and for more on when these teams will clash next, check out the Official Schedule page, here.