Sometimes winning is really as simple as telling yourself that you’re not allowed to lose.
It was one hell of a run for Team Liquid’s Oheb and squad as they turned the tables against Team Falcons in the MPL PH S15 playoffs upper bracket semifinals. Things were looking dire for The Cavalry but with grit and determination, they pulled off an epic reverse sweep.
This isn’t the first time Kiel “Oheb” Q.Soriano clutched out a win. But for him and the team, there was something extra in their match against Team Falcons that really drove them forward to victory.
“Para sa akin, nagpatong-patong yung mga factors,” said Team Liquid’s Oheb. “Nandun yung factor na reverse sweep kami nung [SIBOL National Team Selection]. Nandun yung factor na hindi pwede kami matalo kasi lalaro namin Aurora Gaming sa laglagan. Sobrang dami yung factors na nung naisip namin, na-mindset ng lahat ng players na ayaw namin matalo. Kasi kung matalo kami dun, madadagdag yung mga problema namin so malaking ginhawa nung nananlo kami.”
That determination to not lose was so strong that it didn’t even cross Team Liquid’s minds that they had a second chance in the lower bracket. To them, their only option was to win. “Di dapat kami mapunta sa unsafe na place sa bracket. Kasi ayaw talaga namin yun,” said Oheb.
Never Give Up, Never Surrender
The season 15 playoffs has really been one for the record books as there have been 20 games in two days. Every best-of-five has gone the full distance as all the teams, even those lower in the standings, were ready to fight for their playoffs lives.
“Surprising siya na hindi,” said Team Liquid’s Oheb with a smile. “Lahat ng mga player ngayon may pagka-veteran na sila sa katawan nila. Dati yung nangyayari, kung mag 0-2 yung team hindi na sila makakabawi. Ngayon lahat ng mga team may sarili nang veteran na nakapasok na sa playoffs, so kaya nila makaabot ng game five kasi sobrang tibay ng mental nila.”
That being said, Oheb is hoping that their next games go a lot smoother than their slobberknocker with Team Falcons.
“Sa tingin ko, kung itutuloy namin kung paano kami maglaro pagkatops na 0-2 kami, mananalo talaga kami. Sobrang grabe yung mga maliliit na detalye sa laban so para sa akin, importante talaga na magsimula kami na ganong ka-fired up.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.