TSM’s jungle woes continue heading into LCS 2019 Spring Split

Team SoloMid’s jungle difficulties look set to continue into 2019, as the team announced Jonathan ‘Grig’ Armao would be unable to compete at the start of the Spring Split.

Due to wrist issues for Grig, the starting Jungle spot will instead be filled by Matthew ‘Akaadian’ Higginbotham, who was expected to play for the team’s Academy squad after being signed in December 2018.

To replace Akaadian on the Academy team, TSM have also announced the addition of Gabriel ‘Fanatiik’ Saucier.

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TSM are coming off their weakest season to date. Once the dominant force of the NA LCS, 2018 saw the first grand final without TSM. It was the first year they were unable to lift the trophy at all, and also the first time the organization has not appeared at the World Championship.

Struggles in the jungle were what many pointed to as being a key factor in TSM wider difficulties in 2018, with would-be star Jungler Michael ‘MikeYeung’ Yeung often unable to perform under pressure. Grig, who had joined the organization to play on the Academy team in Spring 2018, was ultimately moved to the LCS roster for Summer in an effort to shore up the position.

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Despite the change, many still identified the jungle as one of the weaker points for TSM. To the surprise of many fans, however, the team opted not to make changes in the Jungle for the start of the 2019 season, instead bringing in fresh blood for the top lane and support.

The 2019 LCS Spring Split will kick off on January 26, with TSM making their debut against 100 Thieves.

TSM’s starting roster for 2019 Spring: