TSM Signs Former Cloud9 and Echo Fox Support Smoothie
North American esports team TSM has signed Andy “Smoothie” Ta, a former support player for Cloud9 and Echo Fox, according to the organization’s announcement today.
“I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me during my time at Echo Fox,” said Smoothie in TSM’s announcement. “With Rick Fox taking a larger role in the company, I believe Echo Fox will achieve great success in the future. Thank you to all the players and staff who made my move to TSM possible.”
Smoothie’s Journey in the NA LCS
Considered one of the best supports in North America, Smoothie was unexpectedly benched by Cloud9 at the beginning of the 2018 NA LCS Summer Split. He played only two games for Cloud9 before being traded to Echo Fox midway through the split.
After Smoothie joined Echo Fox, the team finished fourth in the Summer Split’s regular season. However, they were eliminated from the playoffs and the World Championship Regional Gauntlet by TSM.
Changes for Echo Fox and TSM
With Smoothie’s departure, Echo Fox has reportedly signed Clutch Gaming support Nickolas “Hakuho” Surgent, along with top laner Colin “Solo” Earnest and AD carry Apollo Price.
TSM has not yet revealed if they will retain their current support player, Alfonso “Mithy” Aguirre Rodríguez. ESPN reports that TSM is exploring transfer options in both North America and Europe. With Smoothie joining as the starting support, TSM now has an available import slot.
A Challenging Year for TSM
In 2018, TSM had their worst performing year, failing to reach a single domestic final and missing out on the World Championship for the first time since the organization’s inception.
TSM, esports, Cloud9, Echo Fox, support player, NA LCS, roster changes