The Lakeland esports team made history on Monday night as they played in the first match ever against the Catawba Valley Red Hawks. Up to this point, the team has recorded several victories by forfeit, but on Halloween night 2022, Lakeland's Ackema Royes would step up to lead the Lakers to their historic win in FIFA 23. The final score of the match was officially 2-0.

Matches are typically played in a best of 3 format, however, this match would go 5 games to determine the victor. 

In game 1, Catawba selected Barcelona (ESP) while Lakeland's Ackema Royes selected Manchester United (ENG). Catawba opened the scoring in the 14^th min to take a 1-0 lead. Royes answered a few minutes later sending the game to halftime tied 1-1. The second half remained 1-1 as the first match ended in a draw.

Game 2 would be the Lakers first game win in history by a score of 4-2. In this game, Catawba stayed with Barcelona (ESP) while Royes made a tactical change in choosing Paris Saint-Germain (FRA). Catawba Valley began the game with two quick goals putting the Red Hawks up 2-0. Lakeland responded with 2 goals before halftime making it 2-2. The second half saw Royes take control and score two late goals to close out the victory.

Game 3 featured no tactical changes as Lakeland again selected Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) and Catawba selected Barcelona (ESP). This was a back and forth affair that went into halftime tied 0-0. In the second half, Ackema Royes made a change in his teams' formation which resulted on an early 1-0 lead. Catawba battled back though scoring on a late goal to end the game in a 1-1 tie.

Game 4 saw no tactical changes as Lakeland selected Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) and Catawba again selected Barcelona (ESP). This game was different though as both teams opened up the offense. With Catawba ahead 3-2 entering the finals minutes of play, Royes scored a late goal to force another draw.  

In game 5, the players again selected the same teams - Catawba selected Barcelona (ESP) while the Lakers chose Paris Saint-Germain (FRA). This game was a back and forth affair with each team scoring 2 goals to go into the half tied at 2. Both teams would use their 5 substitutions to maximize their players stamina during the game. In the 80th minute, Lakeland's Royes chose to bring in Lionel Messi (one of the best players in the game) off the bench. The game looked like it was heading to another draw, but Royes scored a close-range goal in the 90^th min to win the game 3-2 and to win the series 2-0!

Next Up:  Lakeland Esports moves to first place in their division for FIFA23 and is schedule to play fifth place Dallas College Cedar Valley on Monday November 7^th at 8:00pm. In NBA2K23, they play host to Snow College on Friday, 4 at 7:00 pm. All matches are held in C-2047 and are free to attend.