Reno had a chance to take the lead in the 18th minute when the first signing in 1868 FC history Dane Kelly shot over the crossbar, but Thompson scored five minutes before half with a nifty back-heeled finish into the bottom-right corner of the net to spoil 1868 FC’s bid at an upset. 

Reno’s Mackenzie Pridham had a chance to equalize four minutes after Thompson’s finish, but his chance in the box sailed past Earthquakes keeper David Bingham, only to be headed away by defender Nick Lima.

Late in the second half, 1868 FC continued its pressure when substitute Brian Brown was tackled in the penalty area, but despite his protests the hosts were not awarded a penalty kick.

The final score couldn’t diminish from the atmosphere in the stands at Greater Nevada Field, however, which welcomed the expansion USL side heartily.

“The atmosphere of the stadium is really neat and very intimate,” said Earthquakes Head Coach Dom Kinnear. “I expect the same when I come here next time.”