Charlotte Independence - the Rapids’ USL affiliate - smashed their scoreless streak in sensational style on Saturday, with a phenomenal 4-1 home win over Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati.
The Independence had been shut out in the previous four games, and were without success in five. Both runs were ended at Sportsplex at Matthews, with goals from Cordell Cato, Kay Voser, Yann Ekra, and Éamon Zayed.
This result was a first road reversal for FC Cincinnati, and only their second loss in nine games. It was their first defeat in six games.
Of the Rapids players on loan, defender Sam Vines played the 90 minutes, while Ricardo Perez came off the bench in stoppage time for Zayed. Goalkeeper Kainoa Likewise was an unused substitute.
Next for the Independence is a trip to Toronto II on Saturday. The Canadian club is winless through eight games.
Elsewhere, and Mike da Fonte netted his first goal for Phoenix Rising FC last Wednesday in a 3-0 win at Oklahoma City Energy. He also went the distance on Saturday as Phoenix came strong in the second half at Tulsa Roughnecks FC, scoring four without reply in a 5-1 win. Didier Drogba scored twice.
Phoenix have now won three in a row, and sit second in the Western Conference. They host third-place Sacramento Republic FC this coming Saturday.
