Reno 1868 FC midfielder Matheus Silva on Saturday returned to Greater Nevada Field for the first time since nearly drowning at Zephyr Cove on July 4.

Silva met with the people who helped pull him from the water and received a standing ovation from the Greater Nevada Field crowd.

Matheus Silva

Head coach Ian Russell said, “I thought it was great. He’s been working out with us the past couple of days. He’s wanted to come back and play soccer ever since he was in the hospital. It was great to see him out there with the people who helped save his life.”

The 20-year-old was playing this season on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes for Reno 1868 FC, which is part of the United Soccer League.

Seth Casiple, Reno 1868 FC midfielder said, “We just want to thank the Lord for his recovery. The people at Renown (hospital in Reno) did a fantastic job and it was great to have him back.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report