Moon, PA- RMU Esports found themselves on the biggest stage of this bizarre season, playing in the NACE Rocket League Spring Cup Finals. The team of Ryan Conti (Slurpe), Michael Campbell (Reprivation), and Eric Klages (SkiPi) would once again be in the lineup. They found themselves against national powerhouse Missouri, and it's not the first time the Colonials and Tigers have met deep into a Rocket League postseason bracket this year. 

The two faced off back in November in the Semifinals of the NACE Rocket League Fall Championship, with the winner heading to the finals in Atlanta, Georgia. Missouri came out victorious in that series, but RMU looked to use that experience to pick up the win in the Spring Cup. The Colonials had looked sharp in each match leading to this one, and would need to keep it going to upset one of the nation's best in a Best of 7 series. 

Game 1: Mizzou wins 3-0

The first game saw the Colonials come in with some nerves. A few miscommunications and misplays put RMU in an early 2-0 hole. After falling behind by two early, RMU settled down and started playing Mizzou much more evenly. The Colonials had a few chances to get on the board, but the Tigers defense made some very strong saves to preserve the shutout. 

Game 2: Mizzou wins 1-0

In the first of four straight games decided by a goal, the Colonials looked much better defensively in Game 2. The issue with the second match was that RMU spent the majority of the match on the defensive, and struggled to create momentum offensively. For the second straight game, RMU were shutout and now found themselves in a 0-2 series deficit. 


Game 3: Mizzou wins 3-2

This was the game it started to click for RMU. The beginning of the game was filled with miscues for RMU, and Missouri capitalized to take a 3-0 lead midway through the game. But the Colonials finally found the back of the net. A rare defense lapse from Mizzou left the goal wide open, and SkiPi found Slurpe buried it for the Colonials first goal of the series. 

From there, RMU began to play more confidently and really began to do a better job of possession which has been the team's strength. Reprivation scored RMU's 2nd as time expired in the game, and despite finding themselves down 0-3 in the series, RMU was starting to make some headway.

Game 4: RMU wins 3-2

Game 4 started better than anyone could have imagined for Robert Morris. RMU scored two goals in the opening 13 seconds of the game, and the twitch crowd was flooding the chat with excited support for the team. Team captain Slurpe setup Reprivation for the first goal, and Rep returned the favor by setting up Slurpe for the second goal.

From there, Mizzou fought back hard. Through the game, the teams traded chances on both sides before Mizzou cut the lead to one with 2:49 to play. With 1:24 remaining, Mizzou tied it on a textbook 2 on 1 breakaway. From there it, both teams were playing solid defense and it seemed the game was headed for OT.

But it never did. With only seconds remaining Reprivation won a 50/50 ball in the air at midfield, and it floated into the Missouri end. A Tigers defender tried to clear it, but instead stopped the ball's momentum and it was dropping right down in front of the right side post. Slurpe got there in time and buried in the back of the net as time expired, winning the match 3-2 for RMU.

Game 5: Mizzou wins 2-1

In what would ultimately be the final game of the series, it was a wildly compelling final game. Mizzou took the early lead 18 seconds in, and it stayed that way for a while. Despite trailing, RMU had some fantastic chances they just couldn't convert to goals. 

Finally, with 1:19 remaining in the game Robert Morris found the equalizer. A well timed demolition from RMU left Mizzou short handed momentarily, and the Colonials capitalized as Slurpe buried the chance to tie the game at 1-1. Unfortunately, the tie score wasn't to last for long. 26 seconds later, the Tigers scored what would stand as the series winner. Robert Morris fought valiantly in the final minute, but couldn't break through for the tying goal. 

Post game and Beyond:

This game marked the end of the season as a whole for RMU Esports, as it was the last major event on the calendar. Overall, it was a strong year for Rocket and RMU Esports as a whole. Rocket League was easily the brightest light from this season for RMU, with their Final Four appearance in the NACE Fall Championship and Finals appearance in the NACE Spring Cup. 

It was also likely the final game in senior Ryan Conti's collegiate career at RMU. In his post-game interview, he was clearly disappointed that RMU didn't come out the victors. But when asked if there was anything he wanted to say to those watching regarding the end of the line, he said, "I've enjoyed my time, thank you to everyone who has been a part of this ride… It's been real fun, not just Rocket League but RMU Esports included." He also thanked his teammates that have been there with him through the season.  

The team will be in good hands next season too. The possible lineup of rising junior Michael Campbell (Reprivation), with rising sophomores Eric Klages (SkiPi) and Chris Willard (Captain_IceFire) is a tantalizing one, not to mention any new comers the team might have. 

It may not have gone RMU's way in the Finals, but it certainly won't be the last time they'll have that opportunity if things continue down this road. 

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information Director