DENVER – Charlotte FC's continued improvement away from home finally paid off in their first ever points on the road in a 0 - 0 draw against the Colorado Rapids.
But was a nervy opening minutes in the Mile High City for the Crown when some early wayward passes gave the Rapids some early scoring opportunities and corners. CLTFC survived the early storm and managed to steady the ship as they settled into what was an uneventful fifteen minutes afterward.
The tempo of the match made a complete 180 in the 20th minute as the game suddenly opened up. It was end-to-end soccer as both teams were on the end of good chances, with the Rapids having the best opportunity in the 23rd minute when Diego Rubio hit the post for the second time in the match.
After the flurry of attacks for both sides, the effects of the high altitude began to visibly kick in. Players were breathing heavy stagnating the speed of play as both teams were happy to finish the half level.
Whatever CLTFC head coach Miguel Ramírez said at halftime worked for his team as the Crown came out flying in the second half. They pressed the Rapids relentlessly and peppered them with shots but couldn't breakthrough.
Charlotte didn't let up for the entire rest of the half, pinning the Rapids back in their half with few ways to get out. They were right at Colorado's door but still couldn't find a way in. In the 91st minute, they had their best chance to earn all three points on the night when McKinze Gaines used his speed to get free on goal with Karol Świderski available as an open option.
In the end, Gaines will be wishing he could get that chance back, as he opted to take the shot himself which was saved. Charlotte FC will probably feel they could have gotten more out of the match but still earned a clean sheet and a valuable point away from home.
Ecuadorian Excellence
It's no surprise that the two players that hail from a country notorious for high altitudes were the ones who shined in the Mile High City. Midfielders Jordy Alcívar and Alan Franco were doing it all for the Crown on the night.
Alcívar, especially in the second half, was beating defenders with clever touches and delivering threatening passes in both open play and set pieces. Franco was bolting up and down the pitch getting involved in the attack and coming up big in the defense.
After having slow starts to life in MLS, the young Ecuadorian duo has quickly become a staple in Ramírez's blossoming team.
Points are Progress
The Crown have snapped their 4-match losing streak away from home in their draw against the Rapids. In the second half, it looked like they were going to get more than a draw but earning their first points away is progress and will serve as a confidence boost going to Orlando next week.
