SAN JOSE — Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson’s eyes lit up after practice as he reminisced about an old photo of himself in a Quakes jersey standing outside of Buck Shaw Stadium for a picture with then-Quakes midfielder Khari Stephenson.

Thompson recalled every little detail about the photo. That was a heartbreaking night for Thompson and many Quakes fans as San Jose’s Supporters’ Shield-winning season was ended by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 MLS Cup playoffs.

But the photo made the Sacramento-area native realize that after growing up a diehard fan who would make the trek down to San Jose to watch games as a kid, everything has now come full circle.

“That picture basically sums it up,” Thompson said. “It’s funny because after trying to get an autograph from Khari Stevenson, he ended up being my roommate a few years later. It’s just crazy how those things happen.”

Thompson, 21, inked a new mult-year deal last week to ensure that he would continue playing for the team he grew up supporting.

“I feel like I’ve been living a dream the past three years,” Thompson said. “To be able to sort out a new contract in the offseason really is surreal because that means I’m here for a few years and I’m exactly where I want to be. I can just take a deep breath and enjoy myself.”

Thompson, the Earthquakes’ first Homegrown player, appeared in 17 games last season. Going forward he is part of a promising young core of players that are expected to lead the charge for the rebuilding Quakes in the upcoming season.

Defender Nick Lima is another player expected to lead the youth movement in San Jose. Following Thompson as the team’s second-ever homegrown signing, Lima was excited for his first practice with the Quakes. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” Lima said. “I woke up this morning feeling excited to get on the field. There were some nerves and anxiety but I’m good. It feels good to be here and I’m honored for this opportunity.”

The former Castro Valley High three-sport star and Cal standout just finished his final season with the Golden Bears in November, but Lima, 22, said he feels no fatigue as he prepares for the MLS just a few months later. “I’d rather have this quick turnaround than just sit around for six months in the offseason.”

Although San Jose’s defense already features veterans such as Victor Bernardez and Marvell Wynne, Lima believes that the team’s influx of young players could signal a chance for him to play sooner than expected. “I feel there’s a real good possibility to step in and provide help in any way I can,” Lima said. “If that opportunity presents itself, I will be ready to step in and open some eyes.” Lima brings some toughness to the Quakes.

He once played through a broken foot while at Castro Valley. “It was a bad decision because it made the injury worse, and I was out for five months after surgery,” Lima said. “It was not a smart decision. My dad’s a firefighter so he definitely got on me for that, but that’s kind of my mentality. If I can play and still provide for the team more than the next guy up then I’m going to play through it.”