Matthew Hoppe continued in Schalke’s starting lineup on Sunday afternoon and added to his Bundesliga goalscoring record in the process.
Hoppe equalized for Schalke at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, one week after becoming the youngest American player to score a hat trick in a European top five league. Despite Hoppe’s contribution in the match, Schalke lost 3-1, remaining in a relegation fight at the bottom of the league table.
After Eintracht Frankfurt broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, Hoppe made them pay just one minute later.
Benjamin Stambouli’s over the top ball was smashed home by Hoppe, who did well to beat Kevin Trapp from a tight angle. It was Hoppe’s fourth career senior goal for Schalke.
Another game, another goal.
Young American Matthew Hoppe is on a tear! pic.twitter.com/AOinuBFgi5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 17, 2021
Hoppe has made the most of injuries to Schalke’s attack, delivering now in back-to-back league matches. The 19-year-old finished with one shot on goal, but did struggle in possession with 13 lost duels and only one dribble completed.
Schalke is seven points from safety, with only one league win out of its opening 16 matches. Up next for the club is a pair of home dates with Cologne and Bayern Munich.
Nice goal but watching Schalke can make your eyes burn
I think we found our number 9. Not bad depth when you push Josh Sergeant as the back up on the US depth chart
I think Sargent is safe, Hoppe lost 13 duals
THe thing about Sergent he’s not scoring a lot of goals. So he’s not the safe answer. He has to start scoring goals and right now he’s not
Not sold on Hoppe. He had a couple nice goals last game, and was very quick to react to get the goal in this game. However, it was an ugly goal that the defense should never have allowed.
The # 9 position and it’s back-up is up for grabs….
Sargent – Has no support at the club level. I want to see him with the USMNT 1st team before we trash him. If he can’t find goals with Pulisic, Reyna, & McKennie feeding him in dangerous spots than we can talk about pushing him out.
Soto, Gioacchini, Hoppe, Zardes, Morris & Dike, each bring something a little different. None are a perfect fit for what we need, but each can provide something useful on the road through qualification. Zardes is the most known entity, so would rather spend some more time getting the others more experience with the USMNT.
Let’s not forget Hoppe is 19. He has plenty of time to develop his game. What you can’t take away from him is that he’s able to finish his chances in a top league.
Sargent I apologize for butchering your name so much