Charlotte Independence, the Rapids’ USL affiliate, are now without a win in six after two recent outings produced just one point and saw them slip to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
They were 2-0 up at home to Tampa Bay Rowdies last Wednesday (June 27), through Jorge Herrera and Cordell Cato, before Tamika Mkandawire reduced the deficit.
Joel Johnson was sent off for the Independence in the 89th minute for a second bookable offense, after which debutant Dominic Oduro struck an equalizer for the visitors. Charlotte finished with nine men, as there was still time for Donnie Smith to see red in a 2-2 tie.
Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, on loan from the Rapids, played the full 90 minutes, while Sam Vines occupied a spot on the bench.
Three days later, no Dykstra but Ricardo Perez got his first start for the Independence this season, playing 69 minutes of a 4-1 loss at Bethlehem Steel. Vines went the distance.
The Independence head to USL newcomers, Indy Eleven, this Saturday. Indy are one point and two places above Charlotte. A win could lift Mike Jeffries’ side as high as third in the standings, so tight is the Eastern Conference.
Midfielder Sam Hamilton played the entire match for Colorado Springs Switchbacks as they were held 1-1 at home by San Antonio FC on Saturday. Both goals came from the penalty spot. The Switchbacks are unbeaten in three, and next host Orange County SC for a Tuesday night encounter.
Phoenix Rising, with Mike da Fonteanchoring the defense, kept a fifth successive shutout as they defeated Orange County SC 1-0 at home on Friday, despite playing 65 minutes with 10 men after Kody Wakasa was dismissed.
Rising FC remain second in the Western Conference, just two points behind Real Monarchs SLC, though having played two more games. Their next game is at Fresno FC on July 14.
