Looking back at this time last year... where were the OptX?

The SAN FRANCISCO OPTX have reached a turning point in the 2008 season. The team made some changes and seemed to struggle early on, but if you take a look at where the team was at this time last year, they’re actually doing better in almost every way. The level of talent has increased and the competition is tough this year, but the OPTX are still in prime position to storm to the top of the standings, make the playoffs, and make their first trip to the World Final.

Just before the teams headed over to DirecTV during the 2007 season, there was a five-way tie for second place, with every team except for the CHICAGO CHIMERA having a 3-4 record. It was during the DirecTV portion of the season where the OPTX started to shine, as they moved into second place heading into the playoffs. This season everything is going better than it was last season, so expect the OPTX to make another strong stand as they hit DirecTV.

FIFA 08
Last season Alessandro "Stermy" Avallone was new to the FIFA scene, but he was still able to use his natural talent as a gamer to reach a 3-4 record as he made the shift from Electronic Arts’ Los Angeles (EALA) studio to the DirecTV sound stage. This year Stermy has had significantly more time to familiarize himself with FIFA and the results are clear. He has a 5-2 record putting him in second place in the FIFA standings, behind the rookie sensation Yfran "Eafra" Garcia of the CHICAGO CHIMERA.

FORZA Motorsport 2
With the switch from Project Gotham Racing 3 to FORZA Motorsports 2, General Manager Kat Hunter drafted two new racers for the OPTX. Chad "Miximup" Neil and Kevin "Sackamonjaro" Uribe have greatly outshined their PGR counterparts. Last season the OPTX racers went into DirecTV with a meager record of 1-6. This season Hunter’s agile rookies have garnered a 3-4 record. Despite the fact that the scoring system has been toned down for FORZA, it’s the improved record of the FORZA duo that have helped the OPTX reach a 4-3 record.

Dead or Alive Female
The OPTX franchise player, Vanessa Arteaga, is as flawless as she is dominant. While she has duplicated her 7-0 record of last season, her point differential is slightly lower due to the fact that many of the women in the DOAF division have greatly improved. Vanessa still averages 5-1 wins in her matches, which makes it very difficult for any team facing the OPTX. If she can continue her dominance throughout the DirecTV portion of the season she may be the key element in an OPTX championship.

Dead or Alive Male
Kat Hunter let former OPTX DOAM, Cardell “Dave Cheppelle” Thomas fall to 3D.NY while she picked up the rookie, Chris “NinjaCW” Harris. So far her draft strategy has paid off as NinjaCW has given the OPTX DOAM division a significant boost. Last year Cheppelle went into DirecTV with a 3-4 record. This season NinjaCW has surpassed that mark with a 4-3 record, tied for second place in his division. He may not be the powerhouse that Vanessa is, but he’s doing his part and making sure the OPTX remain a force in the DOA standings.

Counter-Strike: Source
The most controversial changes to the OPTX roster are easily the two additions to the Counter-Strike roster. Garett "Grt" Bambrough and Mike "Paradox" Stanowski are arguably talented CSS players, but it has taken time for the team to gel as a single unit. Their last few games have shown improved team work, but even with their troubles they have been able to match what the original CSS squad did just one year ago. Both CSS squads are 2-5 heading into the DirecTV season, but the real test comes now. The old squad was able to kick their game up a notch and finish the season in second place behind COMPLEXITY. Will the new team be able to match that challenge? Kat Hunter believes so, but even if something goes wrong, it’s clear that every other division of the OPTX team has stepped up since last season.