Following the announcement of INTERNETHULK joining Team Liquid as Head Coach for the squad, former coach Aurace’s exact position in the team was undetermined. The conclusion came today with a message on the Team Liquid site that Aurace would be leaving the team for pastures anew, namely a coaching position with Renegades.
Aurace Moves Onhttps://t.co/8LbZdJIdSr | #TLOW pic.twitter.com/4oiSRM3LHk
— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) June 29, 2017
In the official statement, Aurace wished his team the best of luck:
I would like to thank Liquid and the team for believing in me and what I could bring. I wish nothing but the best for the team and Internethulk in their future endeavors. I appreciate the time that I spend with the team, seeing them and myself grow. But now it's time for the next chapter! See you all at LAN.
An article on the Detroit Renegades site followed shortly after the Team Liquid announcement, revealing that Aurace would be joining Renegades as coach following their highly successful Contenders run.
Please welcome the newest member to the Detroit Renegades 5-hour Energy Overwatch team...Coach Aurace!
— Renegades (@Renegades) June 29, 2017
Article: https://t.co/4pAtICp9Fi
Aurace commented on his new team and the new opportunities this presented:
I feel like right now the major difference between the teams and players is previous pro experience from similar titles like Team Fortress 2 and Quake, compared to some of the younger players in the Renegades, but also in Overwatch in general. Being fresh and new, the younger blood brings a more adaptable playstyle to the meta; they don’t have anything set in stone from their previous experiences and are open-minded, which can definitely have its downsides but for the most part, just brings a fresh and positive outlook on the game which can only be good, as we’ve seen from the Renegades this event
He went on to talk about his teams chances in the conclusion of Season Zero this coming weekend:
I mean right now Immortals is an extremely good team – picking up players and a coach from Korea and bringing them to North America has also brought a new light to the team, which they were desperately in need of. I think they’re one of the top contenders with Luminosity Evil, who have really found their pacing again through the groups. Those two are probably our toughest opponents but I believe with our playoff bracket we should easily make the final and possibly take it all if we bring our A game.
Renegades have been going from strength to strength since moving into their team house, and the addition of a full time coach can only add to the present momentum. Renegades will be competing in the lower half of the bracket in Contenders this weekend, facing FNRGFE in the quarterfinals followed by a match-up with either EnVision or his former team Liquid in the semifinal.
The amount of time Aurace has had with his new team is unknown and as such the impact his presence will have on the teams performance will likely be minimal. If they can overcome FNRGFE, and Team Liquid beat EnVision it would be a quick reunion for Aurace and his former team in the semifinals.
Renegades so far have looked incredible, topping Group D unexpectedly with stellar performances against top teams. Aurace may simply be the polish needed to land Renegades their first ever trophy finish.
The Detroit Renegades are:
- Christopher "J3sus" Pavloff (DPS)
- Liam "Mangachu" Campbell (Flex DPS)
- Zachary "ZachaREEE" Lombardo (Flex)
- Doug "PrimoDulce" Perks (Tank)
- Jonathon "Sherlockey" Davis (Support)
- Jeremy "Jer" Santacruz (Support)
- Alex"Aurace" Nguyen (Coach)
- Cameron McAlees (Manager)