mismultiplex.com file photo: The San Jose Earthquakes Tommy Thompson scored the game’s only goal against their MLS affiliate Reno 1868 on Saturday afternoon

by London Marq

It’s an exciting time to be alive if you are a soccer fan in Reno, Nevada. The United Soccer League’s Reno 1868 FC had their inaugural match this Saturday against their MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes.

It was a better match than expected as both teams were competitive throughout the 90 minutes.

This exhibition game allowed the San Jose training staff and even the fans to get a better look at rookie Tommy Thompson. Thompson was looking to get the career highlight reel started early. Not only did he score the go-ahead goal (that would prove to be decisive), but his tally came off a astonishing heel hick, in traffic no less. The ball flew past the diving keeper and into the bottom left corner of the goal. The rookie Thompson looked supremely confident as the San Jose Earthquakes would hold onto the lead, winning the game ultimately 1 – 0

This game was more than a friendly exhibition game, however. It was the start of something new in Reno, Nevada. As the inaugural season for newly founded Reno 1868 FC continues, another chapter is being written into the legacy of American Soccer. Where it will take us, only time will tell.