RESULTS: Philadelphia Go the Distance in Close Victory over Houston

While the Houston Outlaws may have entered this match with a better overall record, the Philadelphia Fusion have equalled that total, while also extending their own head-to-head match record. Here’s a brief breakdown of the matches between the two teams today.

The first map, Volskaya Industries, was a tense affair in the beginning, with both teams managing to capture the two checkpoints with plenty of time to spare. The real test came in the overtime round, where the Houston Outlaws were able to hold off the Fusion from capturing point A for over 4 minutes. When it came time for Houston to attack however, they were quickly able to overwhelm Fusion and take the point. Houston would go into map 2 with a 1 game lead.

Map number two, Nepal, was another tense game, as both teams traded the initial point back and forth before Houston were finally able to capture it and force Philadelphia off long enough to end the round. The second round was a little less tense, as Philadelphia found themselves targeted by the Outlaws, and while Philadelphia was able to put time on the point, Houston proved too strong for them overall. Houston would go into map 3 with a 2 game lead, another map win would seal the series.

Map number three, Hollywood, proved to be even more dramatic, as both teams battled for control of the payload. Houston had first crack at attack, and managed to take the initial point away from Philadelphia, however soon found themselves stymied at the second checkpoint by a strong defence. With the cart barely short of the checkpoint, Philadelphia managed to hold on, and ultimately Houston was not able to progress any further. With the roles now flipped, Houston was forced to defend against an angry Philadelphia squad, and quickly found themselves in the same position as before, only in reverse. Philadelphia slowly ground against the defence of Houston as time ran out, before a last minute fight allowed them to push the cart the required distance in overtime. Philadelphia managed to claim the map, and ensure that map 4 would not be just for show.

Map number 4, Route 66, and Houston was the first team to try and push the payload, though both teams seemed to have the measure of how to defend this map. Houston were repeatedly knocked back as they attempted to move the payload, and ultimately failed to reach the first checkpoint, setting themselves up for a desperate defence if they wanted to win the series. When Philadelphia came to attack, they also found a strong defence waiting for them, however through good ultimate economy, they proved that they had more control that the Outlaws, and managed to push the payload the required distance with a minute to spare. With both teams having won 2 maps, the series would be sent to a fifth and final map to determine a winner.

Map number 5, Ilios, would prove the decider between these two teams, as both battled hard to secure the victory. The first round went to Philadelphia, as they managed to hold off an assault from Houston. The second round however, was a lot closer between the two, as the Outlaws barely managed to cling to the map, taking the round and forcing a third and final capture point. With the entire series riding on this point, both teams went all out, with DPS players diving deep to secure crucial kills onto the Supports. The point traded hands back and forth, before a final last ditch effort by the Philadelphia Fusion allowed them to force the Houston Outlaws off for long enough to claim victory overall.

With the series over, Philadelphia have evened the match score between these two teams, while extending their personal head-to-head against the Houston Outlaws. For more action from the Overwatch League, check out our recap of the games between the London Spitfire and the Florida Mayhem, and for more details on when the teams will be facing off again, check out the Official Schedule page, here.