Hundreds of fans packed into the Reno Public Market on a warm evening, eyes fixed on the screen as the United States faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32.
When Malik Tillman struck the back of the net, the crowd erupted, the scoreboard flashing a 2‑0 lead for the U.S. and the market turning into a sea of cheers.
Wendy Damonte, co‑founder of Reno Pro Soccer, watched the match from the sidelines, her mind already racing toward the empty lot where the former Jones‑West Ford once stood. She envisions a 6,000‑seat stadium that could host a professional team and become a permanent home for the sport in the city.
The memory of Reno 1868 FC, the last professional side that folded during the COVID‑19 pandemic, lingered, but the World Cup’s surge of enthusiasm suggests a new chapter may be possible.
Liam Olechowski called the U.S. run a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment, while Ricky Barajas hopes his five‑year‑old daughter will now dream of stepping onto a pitch herself.
Alex Pennington noted that the tournament’s ability to bring people together feels especially vital in politically divisive times, turning strangers into teammates for a shared cause.
After the final whistle, fans sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a spontaneous chorus that underscored soccer’s growing presence in Reno and the community’s yearning for a permanent professional outlet.
A Community United by the Beautiful Game
The watch party was more than a celebration of a single match; it was a snapshot of a city poised to rekindle its soccer heritage. With local enthusiasts rallying behind the vision of Reno Pro Soccer, the energy generated on that night could well translate into concrete plans for a stadium and a team that reflects Reno’s evolving identity.