CLG Picks New Champion, but Clutch Gaming Come Up with the Victory
By Zac Cameron ·
New champions are always a fun surprise in the North American League of Legends Championship Series, but they don't always pan out the way the teams might hope
Counter Logic Gaming may have thought they found a surprise when they picked Vel’Koz in today’s game, but Clutch Gaming were not bothered by the new champion, proving that sometimes the best choice is the old reliable choice.
Clutch Gaming were able to secure first blood in the top lane with an excellent gank by Nam “LirA” Tae-yoo to take down CLG’s top laner Darshan “Darshan” Upadhyaya. While CLG was able to respond with the first turret of the game, Clutch had all the right moves as they took down the first Dragon shortly after. Clutch put a lot of pressure on the mid lane, capitalizing on Vel’Koz’s lack of mobility to take down Choi “Huhi” Jae-hyun, but CLG would respond in turn, using the Rift Herald they secured earlier to take down the mid tier one turret.
Clutch secured an Infernal Dragon after catching out CLG’s support, and would go on to catch out CLG’s jungler as well, extending their gold lead. When a team fight erupts in the mid lane, Clutch is able to take down Kim “Reignover” Yeu-jin, CLG’s jungler, and look towards Baron. CLG attempted to teleport back into the fight to contest, but only suffered more losses.
Clutch Gaming secured another Dragon, and looked to push down mid, but a surprise fight catches them by surprise and they lose two members, allowing CLG to counterattack and push into the base of Clutch. CLG are forced to back off for the time being, although they return to contest the Elder Dragon, stopping Clutch from taking it for themselves.
CLG manage to take down the top laner for Clutch and force a Baron, but though they secure the objective, they lose their AD Carry in the process. With this new power, they begin to push top while a large minion wave pushes bot, but they are not able to secure much. A final team fight around the Elder Dragon goes horribly for CLG, as they lose four members and Clutch Gaming uses their newfound power to end the game.
For more LCS action from around the world, check out the recap from Day Two, Week Six of the European LCS, and for more information on how the teams are looking on the ladder right now, check out the Official Standings page.