Colorado Rapids Soccer Club and Charlotte Independence have announced that the clubs have extended their affiliation agreement through the 2018 season.

Through the extended arrangement, the Rapids will loan multiple first-team players to Charlotte with an option to recall those players at any time during the course of the year.

“For the past three seasons, Charlotte Independence has provided our young players with a fantastic atmosphere to further strengthen their development,” Rapids Sporting Director and Interim General Manager, Pádraig Smith. “They have a very dedicated staff, and we are certain that this extension will only prove to be beneficial for both clubs.”

Charlotte advanced to the USL playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference before falling to the Rochester Rhinos in the First Round. The Independence finished regular season play with a 13-10-9 record, in which the club tied a franchise record 12-game unbeaten streak from June 10 to August 9.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with the Colorado Rapids,” said Charlotte Independence President and Managing Partner, Jim McPhilliamy. “Our partnership allows us to continue to learn from the Rapids system and helps foster a winning environment that develops talent on the field. It is a win-win proposition that we are very happy will continue.”

Led by former Dallas Burn head coach Mike Jeffries, the Independence play in the new soccer stadium at the Sportsplex at Matthews in Matthews, North Carolina. In three seasons since their inception, Charlotte boasts a record of 37-26-27, while also qualifying to the USL playoffs each of the past two years.