Charlotte Independence are without a win in five but got a point from a trip to Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, despite the Rapids’ USL affiliate playing much of the second half with 10 men.
Greg Jordan was dismissed just shy of the hour mark, but the Independence denied the Eastern Conference’s second-placed team all three points, with the home team dominating possession (72.4%) and shots (13-5).
On-loan Rapids players Andrew Dykstra, Sam Vines and Caleb Calvert all started for the Independence. Calvert was replaced by the Rapids’ fourth loanee, Ricardo Perez, with three minutes remaining.
Charlotte are six points and three places below the playoff line, on 29 points from 24 games. They have two games this week, starting with a home game against fourth-place Louisville City FC on Wednesday, before a trip to near-neighbors North Carolina FC on Saturday.
Mike da Fonte continued his fine form with Phoenix Rising FC, as they won 2-0 at Las Vegas Lights FC. The top three all won in the Western Conference, which means Phoenix remain three points behind Orange County - with a game in hand - and six adrift of leaders Real Monarchs SLC.
Phoenix also have a midweek match. They are home to San Antonio FC on Wednesday, before hosting Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Saturday.
