Team Secret huddles before their match against Nongshim RedForce in the VCT 2025 Pacific Stage 1. Handout: VCT Pacific

MANILA -- All-Filipino squad Team Secret missed out on qualifying for a playoff slot in the VCT 2025 Pacific Stage 1 after losing their do-or-die match against Nongshim RedForce.

The Adobo Gang lost to the Ascension 2024-winning squad, 0-2, to remain winless in the 2025 season.

This also marks the first time that Secret will miss out on the playoffs. They are heading towards their worst placement in a regular season stage to date.

In Pearl, Secret was in control of the first half and ended at 7-5. 

But as the second half started, Nongshim took off from their last two rounds before the break and went on a six-round winning streak to overtake Secret.

The Pinoy squad only mustered three more rounds before Nongshim completed the comeback at 10-13.

Despite being Secret's map pick, Split was a one-sided affair in favor of the newest Korean squad in the Pacific.

Secret initially took the pistol and anti-eco round to open the map, but aside from another round later in the half, that was all they got as Nongshim dominated the map and sealed Secret's fate at 3-13.

Despite having one more match, Secret will end at last place in Group Omega and will miss another chance to qualify for another Masters tournament that will happen in Toronto this June.

They will face fellow Southeast Asian squad RRQ for their last match on April 21.