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Tommy Thompson scores first goal for San Jose Earthquakes

Amidst a 13-game winless streak in MLS play, the San Jose Earthquakes took a break to play C.D.S. Vida of Honduras in an international friendly. Tommy Thompson scored his first goal as a Quake as part of the team's 2-1 victory.

By Robert Jonas
Maciek Gudrymowicz | Center Line Soccer

BREAKING NEWS: Tommy Thompson has scored his first goal for the San Jose Earthquakes.

That the Quakes' first Homegrown signing accomplished the feat outside of MLS play, as part of a 2-1 victory over C.D.S. Vida of Honduras in an international friendly, does nothing to diminish it. Thompson is a big part of the future of the Earthquakes, and scoring goals is a big part of the expectations laid at the feet of the 19-year-old.

After making his MLS debut in a cameo substitution role back on June 7, Thompson had to wait until August 20, at the Seattle Sounders, to earn his first start. He has made 8 starts in 13 appearances this season, but is still without a goal or assist in 690 minutes of MLS play.

The Quakes friendly against Vida marked the club's penultimate game at Buck Shaw Stadium. Though the announced crowd was only 4,074, a number inflated by season ticket holder use of "Bonus Game B" tickets, those that made the weekday trek to The Buck will always remember Thompson's first goal.

Center Line Soccer's Photo Gallery from Quakes 2-1 win over Vida

Just after halftime, with Vida clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Earthquakes answered through Thompson. Defender Shaun Francis, after finding space along the sideline, delivered a cross through the box that Thompson met at the far post. Not a thunderous strike, his first Quakes' goal, but a sliding finish that eluded the keeper and drew the score level.

Following the match, Thompson took to Twitter to express his excitement.

Veteran forward Khari Stephenson completed the comeback midway through the second half, unleashing a patented rocket shot from distance that put the Earthquakes ahead for good. The win was the first for San Jose in all competitions since August 2 against Seattle. The Quakes are currently riding a club-record 13-game winless streak in MLS play.

Perhaps that futility is about to end. Talented forward Thompson will have two more MLS games in which to try to score his first league goal, home this Saturday to the Vancouver Whitecaps and away the following weekend at Chivas USA. The Quakes have long been eliminated from playoff contention, but earning a win in the last game at Buck Shaw Stadium would be a great gift for the club and its supporters.

One thing is sure: Now and for years to come, Tommy Thompson is going to score a lot of goals for the San Jose Earthquakes.

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