RESULTS: TSM Take an Early Lead over Clutch Gaming In the NA LCS Quarterfinals

With both teams looking to make an early statement, TSM prove to be the team better prepared for this quarterfinals match, taking down Clutch Gaming in dominant fashion to establish an early lead.

TSM looked for an early kill in the jungle, pursuing Clutch Gaming wherever they could find them, however were unable to catch out the players and had to settle for securing the first Dragon of the game. First blood would come from the mid lane when a roaming counter-gank surprised Clutch’s mid laner as he went for the solo kill. TSM then sent multiple members to the bot lane, coming from behind to catch out Clutch Gaming’s bot lane duo by surprise and claiming another kill before rotating back to the mid lane to secure the first turret of the game.

With control over the mid and bot lanes, TSM move to secure their second Dragon of the match, summoning the Rift Herald to apply more pressure in the bot lane. Clutch Gaming responded with a roaming gank onto the top lane, catching TSM off guard and securing themselves a kill. The teams clash in the top lane as everyone makes an appearance for a large scale team fight, but both teams are ultimately able to withdraw without casualties for the time being. Despite both teams pulling back from the top lane, another team fight breaks out in the top lane though Clutch Gaming has the man advantage for a time, securing two kills at the cost of one of their own. In response to the fight, TSM make the call to rush the Baron, securing the buff and claiming a kill.

With the added power of the Baron buff, TSM push in both side lanes, taking down the outer turrets and setting up a siege as they look to break open the base of Clutch Gaming. TSM focus the bot side first, breaking open their defences and destroying the first inhibitor of the match before rotating to attack the top lane. Clutch Gaming attempted to engage onto TSM in the top lane but lose two members in the resulting fight, giving TSM the opening they need to take down the remaining inhibitors before pulling back from the siege.

TSM move south and secure their third Dragon of the match before returning to the Baron pit to again secure the buff. Clutch Gaming look like they want to contest the Baron, but are locked out and forced to pull back, allowing TSM free access to the area. TSM force their way into the base, destroying the last turrets and picking up two more kills before closing out the game.

TSM would close out the game with an impressive 12k gold lead in a match that barely crossed over the thirty minute mark. Taking a one game lead, TSM will be looking for another quick victory, while Clutch Gaming will need to fight back hard to keep their post-season alive. For more League of Legends action, check out how Team Liquid claimed a clean sweep over Cloud9 in yesterday’s Quarterfinal match, and to see when the Semi-finals will be played, check out the Official Schedule page, here.