{"id":491354,"date":"2021-11-14T12:23:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-14T19:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=491354"},"modified":"2021-11-14T13:13:08","modified_gmt":"2021-11-14T20:13:08","slug":"isl-playoff-match-2-london-roar-look-to-nab-first-playoff-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/isl-playoff-match-2-london-roar-look-to-nab-first-playoff-win\/","title":{"rendered":"ISL Playoff Match 2: Anastasia Gorbenko, Tom Shields Rally LA Current to Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

ISL Playoff Match 2: Anastasia Gorbenko, Tom Shields Rally LA Current to Win<\/strong><\/p>\n

Relays, as we saw in the first playoff match of the International Swimming League\u2019s third season, can change matches. Skins races were designed by the league\u2019s architects to do just that.<\/p>\n

The L.A. Current knew that and used that on Sunday.<\/p>\n

A big performance in the mixed medley relay put the Current in position to strike, and a breaststroke skins win by Anastasia Gorbenko<\/strong> consolidated by Tom Shields\u2019<\/strong> runner-up finish in the butterfly skins gave the Current a come-from-behind victory in ISL Playoff Match 2. They outlasted the London Roar, who faded down the stretch without their usual mid-distance and IM prowess.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s something positive to take for all four teams. The Current needed a win, knowing the schedule gets more difficult down the road. They also got a burst from the return of Ryan Murphy,<\/strong> who scored 58 points to win ISL Playoff Match 2 MVP ahead of London\u2019s Emma McKeon<\/strong> and Toronto\u2019s Summer McIntosh.<\/strong> The Toronto Titans have easier matches ahead and building blocks from this meet, despite being shorthanded on the men\u2019s side. And the Aqua Centurions might face a long climb to make the Grand Final, but five wins down the stretch plus Matteo Rivolta\u2019s<\/strong> skins victory are results to build on.<\/p>\n

ISL Playoff Match 2 Final Standings
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. LA Current 506<\/li>\n
  2. London Roar 494.5<\/li>\n
  3. Toronto Titans 398.5<\/li>\n
  4. Aqua Centurions 357<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Here is how the action unfolded:<\/p>\n

    Links<\/strong><\/p>\n