Newcomer Series Finale: Spacestation Gaming’s Road to Major 2
In the final installment of our Newcomer Series leading up to Major 2 in Raleigh, Spacestation Gaming rounds out the list and provides an intriguing storyline heading into this weekend.
After a disappointing first Split, SSG made the decision to adjust their roster, adding Kofyr to the duo of Scrzbbles and reveal. Our post-Major 1 analysis had Kofyr as the top target in the roster shuffle as his individual underlying analytics significantly overperformed 9Lives results. We’re excited to see Kofyr get his shot on LAN and show what he and the SSG boys are capable of.
How Did SSG Get Here?
The results were not immediate — as with all the roster changes we’ve evaluated at DataCoach, there is an adoption period no matter how good the players or coaches are. Opens 4 & 5 proved to be learning ground for the newly formed SSG roster, finding their footing and putting together a performance in Open 6 worthy of the Regional victory and NA 2 slot heading into Major 2.
Below is a breakdown of the 3 Opens with matchups against Complexity (1), Gen.G (2), NRG (1), and The Ultimates (2).
Opens 4 & 5 vs Major Opponents
- Expected Goal Conversion (xG): SSG 91% | Opponents 136%
- High Threat Scoring Chances: SSG 4.2 | Opponents 4.4
- Possession: SSG 49.6% | Opponents 50.4%
Open 6 vs Major Opponents
- Expected Goal Conversion (xG): SSG 115% | Opponents 70%
- High Threat Scoring Chances: SSG 4.7 | Opponents 5
- Possession: SSG 44.2% | Opponents 55.8%
What Changed? SSG Figured Out Kofyr’s Role
While we won’t get into the strategy specifics before SSG rolls into Raleigh, it was clear that Xpere and the players figured out how to gel on field and unlock their potential.
Defensive Adjustment
While it’s slightly concerning to see possession and High Threats trending upward for their opponents, SSG was able to build their version of the Blue Wall and stifle scoring chances. They limited Gen.G and The Ultimates to 69.8% Expected Goal conversion after allowing 136.2% in Opens 4 & 5.
Offensive Adjustment
Adjustments to their offensive strategy contributed to a step change in Expected Goals — but more importantly, conversion. They improved from 91% Expected Goal conversion in Opens 4 & 5 to 115.2% in Open 6.
SSG increased their goals per game by 52% by mixing aerial and ground attacks more effectively, creatin
