Charlotte Independence were denied a much-needed three points on Saturday after conceding in stoppage-time at home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds, with the contest ending 2-2.
The Rapids’ USL affiliate took the lead with four minutes remaining, through Éamon Zayed, only for the former Portland Timbers midfielder Ben Zemanski to level in the 94th minute.
Victory would have lifted them to within four points of the playoff places, with three games remaining. Instead, they now sit six points behind North Carolina FC, who they host on the final day of the regular season.
Sam Vinesand Caleb Calvert, on loan from the Rapids, both started against the Riverhounds. Calvert was replaced on 71 minutes by Irish-born Libyan international Zayed. Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra was an unused substitute.
Charlotte are now unbeaten in five. Their next game is at Penn FC on Wednesday.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks may be out of playoff contention, but they continue to fight, winning 2-0 at Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday. Despite dressing just 16 players, they became only the second team this season to win at Real Monarchs, and the only side to keep Real Monarchs scoreless in their two meetings (they also won 1-0 at home).
Rapids midfielder Sam Hamilton played 87 minutes, before being subbed out for Taylor Hunter.
Next up for the Switchbacks is a Friday night trip to Fresno FC.
Meanwhile, Mike da Fonte played the entire game for Phoenix Rising, as they hit two late goals to defeat Saint Louis FC 2-0 at home. Returning for Phoenix was Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba.
Phoenix are next in action on Saturday, when they host Reno 1868 FC.
