07-20-2013
, 03:01 PM
07-22-2013
, 04:10 PM
07-22-2013
, 05:14 PM
20 sounds better though!
07-24-2013
, 08:27 AM
http://www.reddit.com/r/leagueoflege..._as_clg_coach/
Quote:
CLG has brought on OGN caster and ggChronicle Founder, Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles to coach its League of Legends team.
We are excited to confirm the long circling rumors that MonteCristo will officially be working for CLG as the coach of its League of Legends team moving forward. Continuing its long gaze towards Korea for guidance, CLG is happy to bring on the man who perhaps has his finger closer to the pulse of the Asian meta than anyone else. MonteCristo has been working with the team on a trial basis for several weeks now, and though the team has a long way to go, both parties feel confident working together the CLG squad can greatly benefit from MonteCristo's insights, tutelage and in turn, vastly improve the team's performance.
"I'm thrilled to join CLG and hope to assist the team in refining their strategies, communication, and teamwork" said MonteCristo. "Counter Logic Gaming displays a commitment to practicing and competing at the highest level, while simultaneously recognizing and working to improve flaws in their play. I'm excited to help improve the team and continue the legacy of CLG as a premier North American League of Legends organization."
We hope you are as excited as we are to have Monte as a part of the team. Be sure to give him a warm welcome and give him all the credit for CLG's future successes!
07-25-2013
, 10:33 AM
NA LCS Week 7 Preview - Brought to you by LOL TSM
Schedule (All times EST, suck it west coasters)
Thursday 25, July
4:00pm Velocity vs. Cloud 9
5:00pm dignitas vs. TSM
6:00pm Coast vs. Vulcun
7:00pm CLG vs. Curse
8:00pm TSM vs. Vulcun
9:00pm Cloud 9 vs. Coast
Friday 26, July
4:00pm CLG vs. Dignitas
5:00pm Crs vs. Velocity
6:00pm TSM vs. Cloud 9
7:00pm Curse vs. Dignitas
8:00pm Velocity vs. Coast
9:00pm Vulcun vs. CLG
Current Standings
1. Cloud 9 15-2
2. Team Vulcun 11-6
3. Counter Logic Gaming 8-9
3. Team SoloMid 8-9
3. Team Dignitas 8-9
6. Team Curse 7-10
6. Team Coast 7-10
8. Velocity eSports
Team By Team Breakdown
1st Place
Cloud 9 - Undisputed masters of North America
Last week - Defeated TSM, Curse
This week - vs. Velocity, Coast, TSM
It's basically been smooth sailing for Cloud 9 so far in the LCS. Not only are they the best team in North America by what appears to be a wide margin, their victories are only getting more convincing. There is no trick to what Cloud 9 is doing, they simply get ahead through global objectives and than they stay ahead.
Last weeks MVP, Balls will continue to command bans on Rumble but it won't slow him down much. In fact Cloud 9's champion pool is so deep they cannot really be banned out at all, you just try to take away their best champs and hope for the best.
Cloud 9 faces a relatively easy week as they don't have to play either Vulcun or CLG the two teams that have defeated them. TSM are a wreck and were demolished by C9 last week. Coast continues to be an enigma, and while Velocity looks improved, there is still a canyon sized gulf between the number one and eight teams in the standings. That all being said, I expect Cloud 9 to drop a game this week, simply because Cloud 9 has entered an experimental phase, knowing full well they are the best team in North America and their place atop the table looks unassailable. Who will take the victory? The new look Velocity actually might be the best bet to take a game.
2nd Place
Vulcun - Mancloud mans up
Last week - Defeated Dignitas, Lost to Velocity
This week - vs. Coast, TSM, CLG
Vulcun are an odd team. Clearly the second best team in North America at the moment with a fraction of the fanbase you'd expect for such a team. At 11-6 Vulcun will have one eye on securing a first round bye for the playoffs but recent struggles have shown that Vulcun aren't invincable. First of all Vulcun's designated yeller, Zuna, has been the teams weak link with his 'innovative' front line ADC strategy causing Vulcun more hardship in games.
Yet Mancloud's shoulders are wide and his stellar play is the catalyst for much of the good things that Vulcun does. Vulcun know how to get objectives and snowball games, probably better than anyone outside of Cloud 9.
This week they have a chance to solidify their spot in the top 2. A 3-0 week would pretty much secure them that lucrative spot, however a poor week combined with a strong week from any of the pack at 8-9 would put their position under threat. Vulcun are generally good against TSM but have struggled vs Coast and CLG, thus I expect them to go 2-1 this week.
3rd Place
Counter Logic Gaming - Quietly Slumping
Last week - Lost to Velocity, Dignitas
This week - vs. Curse, Dignitas, Vulcun
So somehow CLG only winning 2 of their past 7 games, CLG's slump is just not being talked about at all. This is a team that is very talented but has real trouble at picks and bans, in a way that they try to mimic Korean teamcomps but fail to understand WHY they work. Doublelift's penchant to be off farming while the opposition is pushing obejectives simply doesn't work because 1 tower > Doublelift's 10 cs.
The team doesn't lack talent, it seems to lack leadership and imagination, and they will be tested this week. Curse, Dignitas and Vulcun will present diverse challenges and a good week will put CLG in a good position, but a bad one will leave them in relegation positions which seemed unfathomable when CLG got off to a good start.
I forsee another week where CLG will look amazing in the game(s) that it wins and terrible in the game(s) that they lose.
4th Place
Team Solo Mid - I'm the Shotcaller bro
Last week - Lost to Cloud 9, Defeated Coast
This week - vs. Dignitas, Vulcun, Cloud 9
First of all, watch this. TSM are a mess, and while they are capable of top level play they don't seem to be able to produce it on a consistent basis. Fundamentally I don't think they understand how to play optimal LoL - they simply were successful due to talent and have been repeatedly exposed by teams that know how to play the aggression game.
Can they recover? Sure. Will they? I don't think so unless roster changes are made (I'm looking at you Regi)
I think this will be a make or break week for TSM, if they go 1-2 or 0-3 there will be some serious drama and questions asked if TSM can actually make the playoffs. A good week will put the momentum back into TSM's season, but I don't think they can beat Vulcun or Cloud 9, so it could be a tough week for the baylife bros.
5th Place
Dignitas - King of the Throws
Last week - Lost to Vulcun, Defeated CLG
This week - vs. TSM, CLG, Curse
Dignitas may be the most maddeningly inconsistant team in the LCS - capable of looking like relegation fodder in one game and then destroying a quality team in the next. Dignitas also have the ability to throw like no other team, possibly in the world. Though Kiwikid emerged last split as a solid top laner, he's been nothing but poor this season, even when moved into mid so that Dignitas can play TF. Crumbzz has his good games and his bad games, though his bad games are notoriously awful. Scarra's champion pool being limited is the default narrative, but in my opinion he simply does not play well enough even on his comfort champions to carry most games. The lone bright spot continues to be imaqtpie and Patoy in the duo lane, who rarely lose lane and always contribute to the team effort. Dignitas is one of the many teams that could go either way this week - they can rise up and try to cement a playoff place, but to do so they'll have to defeat the teams that are looking to do the same. To me Dignitas is impossible to predict, but I have a feeling they will slide down the table this week.
6th Place
Curse - Forever Underachieving
Last week - Defeated Coast, Lost to Cloud 9
This week - vs. CLG, VES, Dig
Curse dominated the first 2/3rds of the spring split but have not been the same team for a long time now. When Curse was at their best it was their solo laners that were dominating, but while Voyboy will occasionally carry, Nyjacky has been pretty much a non factor in most games. This means additional efforts can be focused on shutting Voyboy down. Adding Edward was supposed to be the final piece in the puzzle, but it really hasn't done much to improve Curse or Cop.
To be honest I'm not sure how Curse is going to turn it around - they don't seem to know what style they want to play, or what works for them. The individual players aren't bad, but they don't seem to work together as a whole anymore. They are good enough to not get relegated, but not good enough to make worlds - expect roster changes after the end of the season - potentially Voyboy (school), Saint (retirement) and Nyjacky (benched) could leave the team - and it might be for the best to rebuild.
7th Place
Coast - We were actually second last split!
Last week - Lost to Curse, TSM
This week - vs. Vulcun, C9, Velocity
Team Coast entered the season with a small amount of deserved hype - they were coming off an impressive playoff run, finishing second and forcing TSM to a competitive 5 game series. The arrival of Bloodwater had clearly focused the team and solidified the notoriously awful picks and bans that Coast ran. Yet, they have slowly transformed back into the team that they were before the playoff run, playing nonsensical teamcomps and showing an overall lack of communication.
The team is talented but Coast forgets how to play to his strengths - the first should be to let Zionspartan play a carry. Sure he's a great Shen, but Vilerole plays an adequate Shen, let Zion put the team on his shoulders. Nintendude has good game and then hilariously bad ones. Shipthur has generally been good but rarely carries. Dontmashme and Bloodwater are generally effective but has proven to be mediocre rather than amazing.
I'll be honest, this team annoys me, I don't think they are good(as a team). I think that any team that has Elementz as a coach is going to fail. Unless they remember how to actually create teamcomps that work, they'll be headed out.
8th Place
Velocity - Not as bad as you think we are
Last week - Defeated CLG, Vulcun,
This week - vs. C9, Curse, Coast
Let's be clear, Velocity were pretty much handed two wins by CLG and Vulcun, but I don't think they will care. Velocity are much better than their 4-13 suggests - they just have some crucial flaws. Generally speaking Velocity are strong in the early game but don't do well in holding those critical early leads. That is something that is fixed through experience and Velocity is getting that in spades.
VES actually have some legitimate talent. NK Inc is a very capable jungler with a deep and unique champion pool. Maplestreet is an inconsistent but strong AD carry and the addition of Ecco to midlane has given VES a legitimate threat to carry games.
Vilerose has been roundly mocked for his ingame ability but it is clear Velocity work better when he functions as their shotcaller - so they will work around his weakness in top lane.
Also to note is that Velocity recently added a coach in Feng “caelym” Wu, who coached the North American allstars who should really improve the team.
Velocity realistically cannot make the playoffs, but will be focused on maintaining their place in the LCS through the relegation series.
Fearless Predictions
Thursday 25, July
4:00pm Velocity vs. Cloud 9
5:00pm dignitas vs. TSM
6:00pm Coast vs. Vulcun
7:00pm CLG vs. Curse
8:00pm TSM vs. Vulcun
9:00pm Cloud 9 vs. Coast
Friday 26, July
4:00pm CLG vs. Dignitas
5:00pm Curse vs. Velocity
6:00pm TSM vs. Cloud 9
7:00pm Curse vs. Dignitas
8:00pm Velocity vs. Coast
9:00pm Vulcun vs. CLG
Schedule (All times EST, suck it west coasters)
Thursday 25, July
4:00pm Velocity vs. Cloud 9
5:00pm dignitas vs. TSM
6:00pm Coast vs. Vulcun
7:00pm CLG vs. Curse
8:00pm TSM vs. Vulcun
9:00pm Cloud 9 vs. Coast
Friday 26, July
4:00pm CLG vs. Dignitas
5:00pm Crs vs. Velocity
6:00pm TSM vs. Cloud 9
7:00pm Curse vs. Dignitas
8:00pm Velocity vs. Coast
9:00pm Vulcun vs. CLG
Current Standings
1. Cloud 9 15-2
2. Team Vulcun 11-6
3. Counter Logic Gaming 8-9
3. Team SoloMid 8-9
3. Team Dignitas 8-9
6. Team Curse 7-10
6. Team Coast 7-10
8. Velocity eSports
Team By Team Breakdown
1st Place
Cloud 9 - Undisputed masters of North America
Last week - Defeated TSM, Curse
This week - vs. Velocity, Coast, TSM
It's basically been smooth sailing for Cloud 9 so far in the LCS. Not only are they the best team in North America by what appears to be a wide margin, their victories are only getting more convincing. There is no trick to what Cloud 9 is doing, they simply get ahead through global objectives and than they stay ahead.
Last weeks MVP, Balls will continue to command bans on Rumble but it won't slow him down much. In fact Cloud 9's champion pool is so deep they cannot really be banned out at all, you just try to take away their best champs and hope for the best.
Cloud 9 faces a relatively easy week as they don't have to play either Vulcun or CLG the two teams that have defeated them. TSM are a wreck and were demolished by C9 last week. Coast continues to be an enigma, and while Velocity looks improved, there is still a canyon sized gulf between the number one and eight teams in the standings. That all being said, I expect Cloud 9 to drop a game this week, simply because Cloud 9 has entered an experimental phase, knowing full well they are the best team in North America and their place atop the table looks unassailable. Who will take the victory? The new look Velocity actually might be the best bet to take a game.
2nd Place
Vulcun - Mancloud mans up
Last week - Defeated Dignitas, Lost to Velocity
This week - vs. Coast, TSM, CLG
Vulcun are an odd team. Clearly the second best team in North America at the moment with a fraction of the fanbase you'd expect for such a team. At 11-6 Vulcun will have one eye on securing a first round bye for the playoffs but recent struggles have shown that Vulcun aren't invincable. First of all Vulcun's designated yeller, Zuna, has been the teams weak link with his 'innovative' front line ADC strategy causing Vulcun more hardship in games.
Yet Mancloud's shoulders are wide and his stellar play is the catalyst for much of the good things that Vulcun does. Vulcun know how to get objectives and snowball games, probably better than anyone outside of Cloud 9.
This week they have a chance to solidify their spot in the top 2. A 3-0 week would pretty much secure them that lucrative spot, however a poor week combined with a strong week from any of the pack at 8-9 would put their position under threat. Vulcun are generally good against TSM but have struggled vs Coast and CLG, thus I expect them to go 2-1 this week.
3rd Place
Counter Logic Gaming - Quietly Slumping
Last week - Lost to Velocity, Dignitas
This week - vs. Curse, Dignitas, Vulcun
So somehow CLG only winning 2 of their past 7 games, CLG's slump is just not being talked about at all. This is a team that is very talented but has real trouble at picks and bans, in a way that they try to mimic Korean teamcomps but fail to understand WHY they work. Doublelift's penchant to be off farming while the opposition is pushing obejectives simply doesn't work because 1 tower > Doublelift's 10 cs.
The team doesn't lack talent, it seems to lack leadership and imagination, and they will be tested this week. Curse, Dignitas and Vulcun will present diverse challenges and a good week will put CLG in a good position, but a bad one will leave them in relegation positions which seemed unfathomable when CLG got off to a good start.
I forsee another week where CLG will look amazing in the game(s) that it wins and terrible in the game(s) that they lose.
4th Place
Team Solo Mid - I'm the Shotcaller bro
Last week - Lost to Cloud 9, Defeated Coast
This week - vs. Dignitas, Vulcun, Cloud 9
First of all, watch this. TSM are a mess, and while they are capable of top level play they don't seem to be able to produce it on a consistent basis. Fundamentally I don't think they understand how to play optimal LoL - they simply were successful due to talent and have been repeatedly exposed by teams that know how to play the aggression game.
Can they recover? Sure. Will they? I don't think so unless roster changes are made (I'm looking at you Regi)
I think this will be a make or break week for TSM, if they go 1-2 or 0-3 there will be some serious drama and questions asked if TSM can actually make the playoffs. A good week will put the momentum back into TSM's season, but I don't think they can beat Vulcun or Cloud 9, so it could be a tough week for the baylife bros.
5th Place
Dignitas - King of the Throws
Last week - Lost to Vulcun, Defeated CLG
This week - vs. TSM, CLG, Curse
Dignitas may be the most maddeningly inconsistant team in the LCS - capable of looking like relegation fodder in one game and then destroying a quality team in the next. Dignitas also have the ability to throw like no other team, possibly in the world. Though Kiwikid emerged last split as a solid top laner, he's been nothing but poor this season, even when moved into mid so that Dignitas can play TF. Crumbzz has his good games and his bad games, though his bad games are notoriously awful. Scarra's champion pool being limited is the default narrative, but in my opinion he simply does not play well enough even on his comfort champions to carry most games. The lone bright spot continues to be imaqtpie and Patoy in the duo lane, who rarely lose lane and always contribute to the team effort. Dignitas is one of the many teams that could go either way this week - they can rise up and try to cement a playoff place, but to do so they'll have to defeat the teams that are looking to do the same. To me Dignitas is impossible to predict, but I have a feeling they will slide down the table this week.
6th Place
Curse - Forever Underachieving
Last week - Defeated Coast, Lost to Cloud 9
This week - vs. CLG, VES, Dig
Curse dominated the first 2/3rds of the spring split but have not been the same team for a long time now. When Curse was at their best it was their solo laners that were dominating, but while Voyboy will occasionally carry, Nyjacky has been pretty much a non factor in most games. This means additional efforts can be focused on shutting Voyboy down. Adding Edward was supposed to be the final piece in the puzzle, but it really hasn't done much to improve Curse or Cop.
To be honest I'm not sure how Curse is going to turn it around - they don't seem to know what style they want to play, or what works for them. The individual players aren't bad, but they don't seem to work together as a whole anymore. They are good enough to not get relegated, but not good enough to make worlds - expect roster changes after the end of the season - potentially Voyboy (school), Saint (retirement) and Nyjacky (benched) could leave the team - and it might be for the best to rebuild.
7th Place
Coast - We were actually second last split!
Last week - Lost to Curse, TSM
This week - vs. Vulcun, C9, Velocity
Team Coast entered the season with a small amount of deserved hype - they were coming off an impressive playoff run, finishing second and forcing TSM to a competitive 5 game series. The arrival of Bloodwater had clearly focused the team and solidified the notoriously awful picks and bans that Coast ran. Yet, they have slowly transformed back into the team that they were before the playoff run, playing nonsensical teamcomps and showing an overall lack of communication.
The team is talented but Coast forgets how to play to his strengths - the first should be to let Zionspartan play a carry. Sure he's a great Shen, but Vilerole plays an adequate Shen, let Zion put the team on his shoulders. Nintendude has good game and then hilariously bad ones. Shipthur has generally been good but rarely carries. Dontmashme and Bloodwater are generally effective but has proven to be mediocre rather than amazing.
I'll be honest, this team annoys me, I don't think they are good(as a team). I think that any team that has Elementz as a coach is going to fail. Unless they remember how to actually create teamcomps that work, they'll be headed out.
8th Place
Velocity - Not as bad as you think we are
Last week - Defeated CLG, Vulcun,
This week - vs. C9, Curse, Coast
Let's be clear, Velocity were pretty much handed two wins by CLG and Vulcun, but I don't think they will care. Velocity are much better than their 4-13 suggests - they just have some crucial flaws. Generally speaking Velocity are strong in the early game but don't do well in holding those critical early leads. That is something that is fixed through experience and Velocity is getting that in spades.
VES actually have some legitimate talent. NK Inc is a very capable jungler with a deep and unique champion pool. Maplestreet is an inconsistent but strong AD carry and the addition of Ecco to midlane has given VES a legitimate threat to carry games.
Vilerose has been roundly mocked for his ingame ability but it is clear Velocity work better when he functions as their shotcaller - so they will work around his weakness in top lane.
Also to note is that Velocity recently added a coach in Feng “caelym” Wu, who coached the North American allstars who should really improve the team.
Velocity realistically cannot make the playoffs, but will be focused on maintaining their place in the LCS through the relegation series.
Fearless Predictions
Thursday 25, July
4:00pm Velocity vs. Cloud 9
5:00pm dignitas vs. TSM
6:00pm Coast vs. Vulcun
7:00pm CLG vs. Curse
8:00pm TSM vs. Vulcun
9:00pm Cloud 9 vs. Coast
Friday 26, July
4:00pm CLG vs. Dignitas
5:00pm Curse vs. Velocity
6:00pm TSM vs. Cloud 9
7:00pm Curse vs. Dignitas
8:00pm Velocity vs. Coast
9:00pm Vulcun vs. CLG
07-25-2013
, 10:56 AM
07-25-2013
, 10:59 AM
07-25-2013
, 11:21 AM
07-25-2013
, 11:34 AM
07-25-2013
, 11:44 AM