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Cloud9 managed a relatively clean sweep over Team EnVyUs to secure itself the fourth seed in playoffs during Week 9, Day 2 of the North American League of Legends Championship Series Summer Split in Los Angeles.
Team EnVyUs (8-10, 21-26 match record) failed to stand up to Cloud9 (11-6, 26-17) in this series, particularly in Game 1. Cloud9 not only found an early two-on-two first blood for AD carry Zachary "Sneaky" Scuderi's Tristana, but mid laner Nicolaj "Jensen" Jensen on Orianna found multiple solo kills as well. After C9's ace in the 15th minute, EnVyUs simply bled kills and objectives until C9 ended the game at just 24 minutes.
Game 2 looked a bit brighter for EnVyUs, as it kept up in gold and was even ahead at several points. However, this game was ultimately still something of an embarrassment for the team, as it secured a Baron buff and three kills at 26 minutes but still managed to throw the game back to Cloud9.
This was a concerning series overall for Team EnVyUs. Having clinched a playoff spot the previous week, the team had begun to silence its critics and was genuinely impressing with its dramatic improvements since the Spring Split, where it finished in last place. This rough loss will have everyone wondering if the clock has struck midnight for this Cinderella story. EnVyUs, locked into the sixth playoff seed, will face third-seeded Counter Logic Gaming in the first round of playoffs.
Cloud9, on the other hand, can take pride in what's shaping up to be a solid recovery from a rough split overall. The team spent a troubling amount of time in the lower half of the standings, but now sits at a comfortable fourth, where it will remain regardless of further results due to head-to-head matchups. As a result, C9 will be facing off with Team Dignitas in the first round of the playoffs, but first will play Echo Fox at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday in its final match of the regular season.