Charlotte Independence took the lead but were eventually undone 4-2 at New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, as the four-game winning streak came to an end for the Rapids’ USL affiliate.
The Rapids’ homegrown defender Sam Vines played 75 minutes before being subbed out for Jake Areman, but it was his assist which led to Cordell Cato opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. That lead would last just two minutes, as the hosts scored four unanswered. Jorge Herrera hit a late second from the penalty spot for the Independence.
Of the other Rapids players on loan, goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra played the full 90 minutes. Ricardo Perez was an unused substitute.
Mike Jeffries’ team play a fourth successive road game this Wednesday when they travel to Atlanta United FC 2. They then return home to play Charleston Battery on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Niki Jackson started for Colorado Springs Switchbacks as they lost 1-0 at home to Swope Park Rangers. He was replaced after 52 minutes by AJ Ajeakwa. The Switchbacks travel to Portland Timbers 2 next Sunday.
And Mike da Fonte was part of a Phoenix Rising FC back line which denied Sacramento Republic in a 0-0 draw in California. Sacramento missed a penalty just before the interval, as Phoenix registered a second successive shutout. The Arizona-based Rising FC are again in California this Wednesday, when they meet Fresno FC.
