Matthew Hoppe had been a spectator for most of his time with English Football League Championship side Middlesbrough, but the American forward now has a new opportunity to earn playing time in his native country and state.
Hoppe has joined the San Jose Earthquakes on a loan spell through the remainder of the 2023 MLS season, the club announced. The Yorba Linda, Calif. native spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish Premiership club Hibernian, scoring one goal and adding two assists.
“Matthew is an exciting, young player who has already gotten a lot of experience in a number of different leagues,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “He has also played at the international level and was a big part of the U.S. Gold Cup victory in 2021. With his ability to play multiple positions, he is going to be an important addition to our attacking core.”
The 21-year-old joined Middlesbrough in August 2022, but has struggled for a consistent role abroad. Hoppe broke onto the scene with six goals for Bundesliga side Schalke from Nov. 2020-Aug 2021, before moving to Mallorca following Schalke’s relegation.
However, his move to La Liga did not lead to more playing time, as Hoppe only appeared in seven matches for the Spanish club before his move to England.
Hoppe has earned eight caps for the USMNT to date, scoring one goal during the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
He now joins an Earthquakes attack that features Cristian Espinoza, Cade Cowell, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Jamiro Monteiro. Current Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez also worked with Hoppe during his team as a USMNT assistant coach.
Sad, I thought he was going to be a good one. Too early to give up and go to MLS
Not giving up its reigniting his career. He is only 22. MLS is a very competitive league. And will continue to get better and more competitive into the future. I would buy MLS stock if it was available on NYSE.
This is not unlike how Landon started.
Couldn’t get arrested in Europe so he got himself loaned back to the Quakes and the rest is history.
It’s too early to say one way or another what a given’s players chances are to be the Tim Ream of 2026., even Tim Ream.
I could have sworn Ebobissie decided to play for Cameroon that’s why he never called up for US men’s team. I wished Hoppe was called up for gold cup, glad he going back to Cali to reignite 🔥 ⚽ 🥅 his career
Will be interesting to see where he lines up at. Ebobissie has been really good at striker for the Quakes. Does he get moved to LW? Cowell hasn’t been convincing for the quakes this season. What’s crazy is Hoppe is Olympic eligible. And striker for the Olympic team isn’t deep.
Hoppe has 7 professional goals. 5 came in an 11 day stretch in 2021. 3 of the 7 in a 21 minute stretch on Jan 9, 2021. Just think that’s interesting.