Colorado Rapids announced today that midfielder Zach Pfeffer and defender Dennis Castillo have been loaned to Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League (USL). Per the Right of Recall incorporated in both loan agreements, Colorado Rapids retain the right to recall either player at any point during the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.

“For Zach, this represents a chance to get regular minutes,” said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Ops & Technical Director. “Dennis made an excellent debut on Saturday and he’ll be able to get in a full 90 minutes before returning to the Rapids next week.”

Pfeffer, 21, was acquired by the Rapids from the Philadelphia Union on January 15, 2016. As part of the SuperDraft day deal, the Rapids also received general allocation money from the Union in exchange for the second overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

In 2015, Pfeffer appeared in 21 games (11 starts) for the Union, scoring two goals and notching one assist. During his five-year tenure in Philadelphia, the 21-year-old played in 30 matches, adding three goals and one assist from 2011-15. Pfeffer spent the 2013 campaign on a year-long loan in Germany under the TSG Hoffenheim 1899 youth system.

Castillo, 22, made his professional debut and added his first assist during the Rapids’ 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC on April 23. A four-year starter for Virginia Commonwealth University, he was drafted by the Rapids in the second round (37th overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Dennis and Zach to further their development as players in a competitive environment,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids Senior Director of Soccer Development. “With the flexibility of being able to bring them back at any time, it’s a win-win for all parties involved.”

Last week, Charlotte Independence earned a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Richmond Kickers, marking their third straight win at home. Next up for Charlotte is a trip to New Jersey to take on New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. MT. The Independence (3-2-0) currently sit in third place of the Eastern Conference.

Transaction: Colorado Rapids (MLS), April 28, 2016 - Rapids loan midfielder Zach Pfeffer and defender Dennis Castillo to Charlotte Independence of USL.

Following a 3-1 home victory over the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday night, the Colorado Rapids sit second in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a 5-2-1 (16 points) record. Next up for the Rapids is a trip to Canada to take on Didier Drogba and the Montreal Impact on Saturday, April 30 (2:00 p.m. MT - Altitude).

The next Rapids’ home game will be on Saturday, May 7 (7:00 p.m. MT - Altitude) against Rocky Mountain Cup rivals, Real Salt Lake. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE, or call 303-825-GOAL.