Dennis Castillo went the distance for Charlotte Independence (0-1-1) on Saturday, as they claimed their first point of the new USL season with a 1-1 tie at Orlando City B (1-1-2).
On loan at the Rapids’ USL affiliate, Costa Rica-born Castillo played the full 90 minutes, and played a part in a move which almost triggered the winner for the visitors. His 73rd minute cross was diverted goalwards by Yann Ekra, only for Orlando keeper Earl Edwards Jr. to deny the Independence with a finger-tip save.
By that stage the sides were already tied at one-apiece. Independence midfielder Lewis Hilton gave Charlotte the lead in the 60th minute, only for Orlando forward Albert Dikwa to equalize 10 minutes later.
Charlotte created the majority of the opportunities in the first half. In the 23rd minute, defender Joel Johnson picked out midfielder Alex Martinez who headed the cross forcing a Earl Edwards Jr. save. Moments later midfielder Yann Ekra deflected a dangerous ball put in by forward Casey Townsend, but the attempt sailed over the Orlando crossbar.
After a scoreless half, Charlotte carried their momentum to the second 45 minutes. The Independence struck first on a Hilton shot from a tight angle inside the 18 yard-box. Midfielder Alex Martinez assisted the goal.
However, Orlando built an attack with midfielder Scott Thomsen dribbling down the right side of the Charlotte defensive third. From close range, Dikwa finished a Thomsen cross to share the points.
“At the end we had some good chances,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Their goalkeeper makes some good plays and we don't finish as well as we should've. We walk away a little disappointed not to end up with the three points.”
For the second game in a row, Rapids’ Development Academy goalkeeper Kainoa Likewise was an unused substitute with the Independence.
After two games in the United Soccer League regular season, Charlotte has one point. The Independence will next play this Saturday, April 15, at Eagle Field on the campus of Winthrop University at 7:00 PM ET. For more information on ticketing, please visit charlotteindependence.com.
