DarkZero and slow starts -- name a more consistent combination. Throughout NAL play, DarkZero has been one of the more consistent slow-starting teams. However, when they're on, they're on, and it showed in a 2-1 victory over Team oNe in the quarterfinals round of the Charlotte Major.
Their opponents, Team oNe, have had a rough go of it recently, but with all the adversity they've faced, they can head home with their heads held high.
Before the tournament began, Team oNe had serious visa issues. They ended up having to play on 80 ping from Mexico for the group stages, but sent three members of the team with their visas to play from Charlotte. They're a bit split, but are still formidable on LAN.
At the beginning of the match, it looked like Team oNe's magic was happening again. Kafe Dostoyevsky ended in a substantial 7-3 victory in Team oNe's favor.
DarkZero fought back, though. Team oNe took home the first two rounds of Theme Park, but six rounds in a row from the American side put DarkZero far too ahead for Team oNe to catch up.
The run gave DarkZero Theme Park by the same scoreline they lost to Team oNe on in Kafe Dostoyevsky -- 7-3.
Clubhouse was not close. DarkZero put together a staggering 5-1 attacking half and held on the rest of the way en route to a 7-2 victory.
Key statistical performers were Rob "Panbazou" Feliciano and Troy "Canadian" Jaroslawski. Canadian led the lobby in SiegeGG Rating, whereas Panbazou had a stellar entry rating and several impact frags. On Team oNe's end, Lorenzo "Lagonis" Volpi had a solid, team-leading performance, but it wasn't enough in the end.
The victory silences DarkZero doubters, for one day at least. They advance to the semifinals of the Charlotte Major to face formidable Brazilian side Team Liquid. Team oNe, unfortunately, is eliminated from the tournament.