Two early goals settled matters on Saturday as the Charlotte Independence (0-1-2) drew 1-1 at home to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, leaving the Rapids’ USL affiliate still seeking their first win of the 2017 season.
On-loan Rapids’ defender Dennis Castillo made his second successive start for the Independence, while Academy goalkeeper, Kainoa Likewise, was again on the bench.
The visitors snatched the lead after just two minutes. Former Colorado Rapids central defender, Joseph Greenspan, tallied an assist on a Kay Banjo goal for the Riverhounds. Greenspan, on loan from Minnesota United FC, also spent time on loan at the Independence when with the Rapids.
Pittsburgh’s lead last just four minutes. David Spies was fouled in the penalty area, allowing Jorge Herrera to level matters from the spot.
Charlotte dominated after the interval, enjoying 71 per cent of the possession, but they could not prevent Pittsburgh from picking up a point against the Independence. Last year, Charlotte had back-to-back shutout success against the Hounds, by a 3-0 and 4-0 margin respectively.
The Independence will look to bag their first win of the season this Saturday, when they travel to Toyota Stadium to take on Saint Louis FC.
