Report: shinobi exits Riot Squad
Less than a week after joining Riot Squad, sources close to the team have informed Dust2.us that in-game leader Josh "shinobi" Abastado has been cut. The team were also considering replacing Mitch "mitch" Semago in order to pick up New Identity duo Will "dazzLe" Loafman and Skyler "Relyks" Weaver, but opted not to after the pair declined. shinobi's formal status with the organization is currently up in the air.
The move comes after Riot Squad's crushing defeat to Lazarus last night during the WINNERS League quarterfinals. The team were completely dominated on Nuke, only managing to find a single round before dropping the map 16-1. Riot Squad fared better on Overpass, managing to take the map into double overtime, but they were unable to complete the comeback as they fell 22-20.
During Riot Squad's run today in the IEM Chicago Closed Qualifier, the team started the day off against Joshua "steel" Nissan's Masters of Panic, where they used Riot Squad Academy member Dave "seziwana" Schrage and former Grizzlys player Yannick "KOLER" Blanchette in place of shinobi and Michael "dapr" Gulino on the first map. Following the conclusion of the first map, dapr took KOLER's place in the lineup.
Their run was ironically ended by New Identity, as they suffered a 2-0 loss. Jeff "RZU" Ngo was notably absent during the qualifier even though he is currently signed as the team's backup player.
This move leaves Riot Squad with:
Peter "ptr" Gurney- Austin "crashies" Roberts
- Michael "dapr" Gulino
- Mitch "mitch" Semago
- Jeff "RZU" Ngo (Backup)
Riot Squad currently have no matches scheduled, but are next set to participate in MDL Season 32.
