GM Conrad Holt (right) and GM-elect Mackenzie Molner (left) have crossed paths many times in recent events, including a very interesting battle in last year’s USCL. Now they meet again in a pivotal interdivision matchup for both their teams. See all of the West’s Week 3 lineups here!
Two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum kick off the night as the winless Carolina team takes on the undefeated San Francisco team. While this matchup might look lopsided on paper looking at the records and rating averages, if there is anything that truly epitomizes USCL action is that anything can happen, and as usual no one will be taking the result for granted until it’s official.
In a cross country matchup, Miami battles Los Angeles next. The Sharks have gotten off to a great start while the Vibe rebounded from a tough first week to win a huge match against the defending Champions in the second week. With both teams currently on a high note, it should be interesting to see who can use their momentum to greatest effect in this very tough matchup.
As noted, GM Holt and IM Molner have no doubt scoped each other out many times which always creates interesting psychological warfare as they prepare for each other in another big matchup as the Destiny look to continue to lead their division and the Scorpions to break out of last place after a tough loss last week.
Both St. Louis and Seattle have not gotten off to the start they probably hoped for, with the Arch Bishops particularly having put themselves in an early hole. But both teams have very powerful rosters and lineups, and though things may not have gone their way so far (as they easily can in the short term in the USCL), there is still a very long way to go and each will be looking to regain their success from last year and will doubtlessly be hoping that this will be the week where they can notch their first season win.
Tune in Tuesday to chess.com as the first interdivision battles commence!