Charlotte Independence, the Rapids’ USL affiliate, got off to a winning start inside their new home on Saturday, defeating Harrisburg City Islanders 2-0 at Sportsplex at Matthews.
Jorge Herrera scored the first goal at the team’s new stadium, in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,648. The result was made safe in the second half by Alex Martinez.
Dennis Castillo, fresh from his man-of-the-match performance for the Rapids against Oklahoma City Energy last Tuesday, played the full 90 minutes as he resumed his loan spell with the Independence.
With the win, Mike Jeffries’ side skip above the red line and into the playoff positions. They are now eighth in the Eastern Conference, with 16 points from 11 games (4-3-4). They have games in hand on all but one of the teams above them. (STANDINGS)
Next up for the Independence is a trip to Richmond Kickers on Saturday. The Kickers were held 1-1 at home by Tampa Bay Rowdies at the weekend, and sit third from bottom in the standings, on 11 points from 14 games. They are without a win in their last nine games.
Ricardo Perez, meanwhile, has spent time on loan at Colorado Springs Switchbacks. He will remain with the Rapids through next week's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup encounter at FC Dallas (June 27).
