Ceres native Cade Cowell had a productive first start for San Jose Earthquakes United Soccer League pro affiliate Reno 1868 FC this past week.

The 15-year-old forward became the second youngest goal-scorer in USL history during Reno’s 3-2 loss at San Antonio FC on June 8.

Cowell’s parents, Debin and Amber, rooted from home.

 “We were watching the game on ESPN plus,” Debin said. “He’s trying to do the best he can wherever they ask him to play. He’s working hard every day to try to get better.”

Cowell scored from 8 yards out off a giveaway in the 17th minute for Reno (5-3-5).

 “He didn’t do anything super human,” Debin said. “He did his job. He put himself in the right spot.”

Cowell tallied his second career goal at the pro level.

He finished from close-range midway through the second half in San Jose’s 2-1 home loss to Liga MX club Monterrey in international-friendly action on March 23 at Avaya Stadium.

“He’s grown so much as a player in the last three to four months,” Debin said.

Cowell inked a five-year contract with San Jose on Jan. 18.

He became the youngest player signing in Earthquakes and Bay Area team sports history.

“It’s been an adjustment,” Debin said. “It’s not academy or club soccer. It’s competition at the highest level.”

“Cade’s not satisfied,” he added. “He wants to be on the first team. It’s lighting a fire under him. They’re taking it slow—don’t want to put too much pressure on him. He’s just got to wait his turn. At this level, it’s game to game, week to week. It really is next man-up mentality. When your number is called, you have to be ready. It’s a business.”

Cowell will play for the Earthquakes’ under-19 men’s team in the U.S. Development Academy League Playoffs next week. He scored two goals in helping the Earthquakes secure the No. 8 seed for the postseason tournament.

“The last three weeks, he’s done very well,” Debin said. “He’s playing up three age groups. I just want him to keep progressing.”