Team Flash’s position in the VCS Summer 2024 is still low, but the players are showing more convincing performances compared to the previous Spring split. However, facing GAM Esports remains an incredibly tough challenge. Therefore, TF’s inability to secure a victory against a strong and well-rounded GAM team, currently at the top of the leaderboard, was entirely predictable. What truly disappointed many viewers was the way TF lost, especially in game 1 when TF had a chance to win against GAM if not for a key player making an “unforgivable” mistake.
Specifically, it happened near the end of the match, when TF had just won an important team fight and was pushing down GAM’s turret, at which point the GAM members respawned. After that, TF secured the Water Dragon buff and was able to retreat. However, no one understood why Yoshino, instead of exiting normally, decided to Teleport in while his teammates were not yet close and GAM had vision nearby. Yoshino was, of course, quickly taken down. Losing such a crucial tank and initiator led directly to TF’s defeat in game 1 right afterwards.
This extremely confusing play by Yoshino, who is an experienced player, has frustrated many VCS fans. Some even suggested that Yoshino’s play was no different from that of a Bronze player. It can be said that TF could have fought evenly against GAM at that moment, as Playcool had ample resources and Yoshino could have initiated beautifully. But with the Top Laner going down too quickly, it directly ended TF’s hopes.
In tense matches, mistakes are commonplace. But Yoshino is one of the most experienced players on the current TF roster and his mistake is truly unforgivable, especially when TF has not been on a good streak lately.