Burgundy Boys on Loan, Week 14

A busy week for the Burgundy Boys on Loan as the Colorado Rapids loanees featured in five matches and had a variety of successes. Things aren’t going well in Commerce City, but at least the lads on loan are getting solid experience, and more importantly, playing time.

Here is how the Burgundy Boys on Loan fared last weekend:

New York Red Bulls II 4:2 Charlotte Independence (Saturday, June 9)

Charlotte dropped their first match after four wins in a row as they fell to New York Red Bulls II in New Jersey. The match itself was poor, but taken in context, 12 points out a possible 15 is a solid return. The Jacks rolled out in a 4-4-1-1 with Andrew Dykstra starting in goal and Sam Vines as a left back. Dykstra faced a whopping 9 shots on target and made five saves in 90 minutes of work. Vines started and player 75 minutes picking up his first USL assist in the 23rd minute which gave Charlotte a brief lead. Vines did not have the best of games; however, as his passing numbers (61% accuracy) and total touches were down from his last outing (43). Caleb Calvert and Ricardo Perez did not play.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 0:1 Swope Park Rangers (Saturday, June 9)

The Switchbacks continued their up and down season with a 1-0 defeat at home to Swope Park Rangers. The loss dropped the Switchbacks to 1-3-1 (four points) in their last five matches in all competitions. Niki Jackson started as the lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 for the Switchbacks in a largely forgettable performance. Jackson had one shot (not on target) and had just 17 total touches in 52 minutes on the pitch. Sam Hamilton did not play.

Sacramento Republic FC 0:0 Phoenix Rising FC (Saturday, June 9)

Phoenix Rising made the trip to the capital of the Golden State and survived a penalty kick and a crowd of over 11,000 at Papa Murphy’s park to claim a crucial road point. Mike da Fonte started and played the full 90 for Phoenix and came through with 35 total touches and a passing accuracy percentage of 87. Da Fonte helped to limit the high powered Republic offense to zero shots on target. How very Colorado Rapids-esque of Republic.

Atlanta United II 1:1 Charlotte Independence (Wednesday, June 13)

This was a match that could be defined by the chances missed for both teams. But that is neither here nor there. Starting goalkeeper Dykstra put in a man of the match performance with five saves. Yes, he “technically” had an own goal, but it was like the scene from Happy Gilmore where the golf ball hits everything in before hitting the bottom of the cup. Dykstra was excellent and unlucky. He played the full 90. Vines also started and played the full 90 and helped to anchor the Jacks back line. He was at the left back spot and had 50 touches in the 4-4-2 formation. Calvert and Perez did not play.

Phoenix Rising FC 4:0 Las Vegas Nights FC (Wednesday, June 13)

Phoenix picked up a resounding victory over visiting Las Vegas that saw da Fonte start and play the full 90 for Rising. He had 33 touches and helped to limit Las Vegas to 5 shots on target.

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Charlotte Independence (6-4-3, 21 Points) vs Charleston Battery (5-3-5, 20 Points)

Location: Sportsplex at Matthews—Matthews, North Carolina at 5:30 PM MDT

What to Watch For: The Sportsplex is looking to be full as the Jacks return home after four on the road and riding an outstanding run of form (4-1-1). Charleston is just a point behind the Jacks in the Eastern Conference which could mean a fantastic night of football in Charlotte.

How to Watch: This match, and all USL matches, can be streamed at ESPN + (subscription required)

Phoenix Rising FC (8-3-4, 28 Points) vs Tulsa Roughnecks FC (0-6-7)

Location: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex—Tempe, Arizona at 8:30 PM MDT

What to Watch For: Phoenix is on a strong run of form as well and is very good at home where they take on a winless Tulsa team. I know it sounds like a broken record, but da Fonte is having a good year. And with as terrible the Rapids are on defense, you’d think he would at least get a look.

How to Watch: This match, and all USL matches, can be streamed at ESPN + (subscription required)

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Portland Timbers 2 (8-5-2, 26 Points) vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (5-8-2, 17 Points)

Location: Merlo Field—Portland, Oregon at 3:00 PM MDT

What to Watch For: Colorado Springs is below the red line again in the Western Conference and take on a T2 team that features a potent attack and the Switchbacks have trouble stopping anything. I’d like to think a result is here for the taking for Colorado Springs, but that feels like a bridge too far right now.

How to Watch: This match and all USL matches, can be streamed at ESPN + (subscription required)