Having previously gone five games without a win and four without a goal, the Rapids’ USL affiliate, Charlotte Independence appear to have regained their mojo with a third straight success on Saturday.
The latest triumph, a 3-1 victory at Richmond Kickers, took their tally to nine goals from the three wins, and sees them sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. They are five points behind leaders Louisville City FC, but can catch the teams sitting second and third, who they have a game in hand over.
On-loan Rapids players Andrew Dykstra and Sam Vines both played the 90 minutes, while Ricardo Perez stepped off the bench in the 89th minute for Kay Voser.
The Independence will seek to continue this fine run when they visit Ottawa Fury this Saturday. The Canadian club began the season without a win in the opening six games, but have since won three of the last four. They were soundly beaten 4-1 by Charlotte in game one of 2018 back on March 17.
Sam Hamilton and Niki Jackson were among the starters for Colorado Springs Switchbacks last Saturday in their 3-0 home win over Saint Louis FC. Hamilton played the full 90 minutes, whereas Jackson was switched out for Shane Malcolm midway through the second half.
The Switchbacks visit Las Vegas Lights on Saturday. The pair met on May 11, with the Switchbacks winning 1-0. That was the start of a three-game losing stretch for the league newcomers, with a 7-2 loss at LA Galaxy II being the most recent. Las Vegas are without a win in eight outings.
Mike da Fonte and Phoenix Rising slipped to a second straight loss, with a 1-0 reversal at Swope Park Rangers. The Arizona club had won the previous three before this wobble. They play the second of three successive road games on Wednesday night, when they travel to Saint Louis FC.
