Before the Colorado Rapids disappointing end in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night against the Houston Dynamo, the Rapids’ USL affiliate Charlotte Independence fell on Monday night against the Chicago Fire.

Charlotte can hold their heads high after putting in a good performance in the U.S. Open Cup. The dream looked as if it may continue further when Charlotte took an early 1-0 lead against the Fire. The Fire would equalize before halftime, but at the break the Independence were in a fight with another top flight MLS side.

Five minutes into the second half, the Fire took the lead and would not relinquish it, adding a third goal to end up winners 3-1.

Independence coach Mike Jeffries was pleased with the performance of his team saying, “I thought for the most part that we went toe-to-toe with another MLS club, and the differences were Mike Magee, an MLS MVP, and they were able to finish their chances. Otherwise, I thought the level we played at was very good. We moved the ball well and got into the final third. We did enough where on a different night, maybe it would be a different outcome. They came here to play.”

In the end, it was not to be or the first-year USL side. Before the Rapids game on Tuesday night, Colorado tweeted out support for their affiliate on a great run.

Having already defeated an MLS side in the round prior, the Independence will look back at this season’s run in the U.S. Open Cup with fond memories. They are a team and organization on the rise.

Now, both the Rapids and the Independence will have to wait until next season for a crack at U.S. Open Cup glory.