Evil Geniuses' U.S. team was highly-favoured to go beyond the group stage and secure a place in the top three, which would see it automatically qualify for the season's Global Finals in 2009.

But the team failed to impress in Philadelphia, bowing out of the tournament at the group stage after losing to Gravitas Gaming and MoB Gaming.

Marcou has acknowledged that that the team is disappointed with the early exit but stressed that roster changes aren't a priority.

"Certainly we are not happy with the performance," he told ESL. "I'm sure the players have already started to analyze their performance issues and I'll be working with them after this event."

"As of right now there are no immediate consequences, but certainly we will work for a much better result at the next event.

"All of the players on the team are up for their contract renewal, which was a talk that was going to happen after this event regardless of the result."

When quizzed on Jordan "n0thing" Gilbert's absence, Marcou noted: "Jordan had obligations back home. He also has been slightly inactive from practice due to preparations that he is making for college and therefore decided to opt out of the event.

"Since ph0bius was still under contract with EG and enthusiastic about playing, we exercised our right to use him at this event."

Evil Geniuses announced on Thursday that its Canadian team would not be able to attend the tournament. Marcou has confirmed that this decision was caused by the squad's recent line-up changes.

"EG.ca went through a roster change at the very end of the online qualifier and could not field a competitive five for this event," Marcou said. "We were grateful to receive an additional invitation for them, but could not accept it.

"Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication between us and the ESL staff due to their busy travel schedules."

The complete interview can be read here.