SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has acquired United States Men’s National Team forward Matthew Hoppe on loan through the end of the 2023 season, with an option for permanent transfer, from EFL Championship side Middlesbrough F.C.
“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.”
Hoppe, 22, spent the last year under contract with EFL Championship side Middlesbrough, where he played the first half of the English season. He was then loaned to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian in January and played nine matches, helping them to a top-five finish. Prior to his time in England and Scotland, he spent a year with La Liga side RCD Mallorca in 2021-22.
Hoppe started his European career in Germany with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga. After initially signing with the club’s second team, Hoppe made his professional on Nov 28, 2020. He eventually earned his way into the starting lineup, scoring six goals in 23 starts and becoming the first American to score a hat-trick in the German topflight. He netted the hat trick against Hoffenheim on Jan. 9, 2021. He was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in January 2021.
The Yorba Linda, Calif., native began at the LA Galaxy Academy and the Barca Residency Academy before making the move to Bundesliga-side Schalke 04 in 2019. There he started with Schalke 04 II, scoring five goals for the club’s reserve side before joining the first team.
As an international, Hoppe has made eight appearances for the USMNT. He contributed to the United States’ winning the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, tallying an assist in the group stage and scoring the game-winning goal against Jamaica in the quarterfinals.
Matthew Hoppe
Pronunciation: Haw-Pee
Position: Forward
Height: 6-3
Weight: 174
Born: March 13, 2001, in Yorba Linda, Calif.
Preferred Foot: Right
Hometown: Yorba Linda, Calif.
Previous Club: Middlesbrough F.C. (EFL)
College: N/A
Roster Designation: U22 Initiative
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire F Matthew Hoppe on loan from EFL Championship side Middlesbrough F.C.
