Charlotte Independence continued their revival with a second successive win on Saturday, as the Rapids’ USL affiliate overcame Toronto FC II 2-1 at home.
Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra and homegrown defender Sam Vines went the distance, with Ricardo Perez emerging from the bench with 10 minutes remaining. Vines was near-perfect with his passing, managing 95.7 per cent accuracy from his 46 exchanges.
The Independence tumbled out of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup last Wednesday, losing 3-1 at home to PDL side Ocean City Nor'easters.
A tough stretch beckons for the Independence. The travel to Richmond Kickers on Saturday for the first of four road games on the bounce. Their next home game is not until June 16.
Sam Hamilton was a starter for Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Saturday, playing 84 minutes of their 1-0 loss at Oklahoma City Energy. It marked a fourth time in five games that the Switchbacks had been kept off the scoresheet. OKC had lost eight in a row. The Switchbacks’ goalkeeper was former Rapids player, Stew Ceus.
Steve Trittschuh’s team return home this weekend, to face Saint Louis FC.
A rare missed penalty from former Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba - making his 500th club appearance - contributed to a rare loss for Phoenix Rising FC, with Mike da Fonte playing 77 minutes of the 3-1 home defeat. Phoenix had not lost any of the previous six games, scoring 16 goals along the way.
They are on the road this coming weekend, when they visit Swope Park Rangers at Children’s Mercy Park.
