Wells Thompson’s left foot mostly has caused him problems during his career with the Revolution. After a strong rookie season in 2007, Thompson got off to a slow start in 2008, blisters on his left heel causing him to sit out most of the preseason as he lost his starting position on the right wing.
The cause of the blisters was not determined until after the ’08 season started. The initial diagnosis was that Thompson had attempted to wedge himself into a tighter-fitting shoe, which some soccer players do in order to get a better touch on the ball. But, possibly, Thompson had selected too small a size.
Thompson consulted with podiatrists and trainers, and eventually decided to cut a small hole in the back of his left shoe, relieving the pressure on the injured area. And the shoe surgery apparently worked out. Thompson has been able to bring his full-speed, sometimes manic approach to the Revolution midfield. He recently regained his starting spot, and Saturday night scored his first goal in two seasons in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
There was symbolism in the shot. The ball came off the altered left shoe, confirming that footwear is causing more joy than pain for Thompson. And the spontaneity of the attempt indicated Thompson still has the uninhibited spirit and ability to improvise that marked his early career.
“I’ve been teasing Wells for a couple of weeks that he actually didn’t know he was left-footed,’’ said Revolution captain Steve Ralston, who scored the opening goal Saturday in the 68th minute. “In practice one day he was hitting great balls with his left, crossing perfect balls. But on his right . . . I just don’t think he realized - he’s been playing his whole career as a right-sided player and he’s left-footed.’’
Thompson accepted the ribbing before the game and the congratulations after scoring in the 74th minute, as Ralston grabbed him and said, “I told you you were left-footed.’’ But Thompson is sticking with his story.
“I’m actually right-footed, if you all didn’t know that,’’ he said.
Thompson last had scored for the Revolution in the 2007 US Open Cup final, converting the deciding goal in a 3-2 win over FC Dallas. At that point, Thompson was confirming his status as a first-round draft choice, following in the steps of Taylor Twellman, Pat Noonan, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Parkhurst. As Thompson struggled last season, Sainey Nyassi burst on the scene on the right wing.
But, though Thompson had been in a reserve role, he remained upbeat.
“He obviously wants to be playing every week,’’ coach Steve Nicol said. “The only thing I could say to him was to keep working hard and, when you get your chance, you’ll be ready for it. And that’s exactly what he’s done. He’s made sure he’s in great condition and he’s taken his chance. And not just this week, but last week. He deserved to play after last week. He’s always saying he can kick with his left, so I guess we have to believe him now.’’
Frank Dell’Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 
