American Prospect Matthew Hoppe Scores in Upset Over Eintracht Frankfurt Earning International Recognition
Germany’s FC Schalke 04 received assistance from American striker Matthew Hoppe in a 4-3 victory versus Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.
Hoppe has received praise to open 2021, which now comes ahead of the Bundesliga’s conclusion and a summer of USMNT events. The Southern California native signed with FC Schalke in 2019 following success at the Barcelona Residential Academy in Arizona.
Related Article: Matthew Hoppe Scores Hat-Trick for Schalke; FC Schalke 04 Signs 18-Year-Old Matthew Hoppe
SOCCER NEWS: American prospect Matthew Hoppe continues his rise to an elite level following a successful weekend for FC Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga.
Last weekend, Hoppe scored in a 4-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. After coming on as a substitute in the second half, the 20-year-old scored a solo effort that started from his collection of the ball at midfield. Hoppe’s pace down the left flank and into the penalty area finished with a calm, right-footed strike to the far bottom corner. The victory came over Eintracht Frankfurt who currently sits 5th place in the Bundesliga.
FC Schalke 04 will play its final Bundesliga match of the season on Saturday, May 22, versus FC Köln. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Hoppe’s Recent Success
Hoppe made international headlines when he became the first American to register a hat-trick in the Bundesliga on Jan. 9, 2021, accomplishing the feat in Schalke 04’s 3-0 win over Hoffenheim. He pulled off his scoring heroics during an impressive 21-minute span.
An alumnus of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Hoppe secured his hat-trick in his fifth league match as Schalke snapped a 30-game winless streak with its first league victory in almost a year. Hoppe was named the Bundesliga rookie of the month for January for his achievement.
The Yorba Lina, California, native became the third U.S. player to score three goals in a top European League game, joining Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Christian Pulisic (Chelsea FC).
On Feb. 1, 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Schalke, which runs through the 2022-23 season. Hoppe, who turned 20 on March 13, has six goals over 21 games (14 starts) in the current campaign.
While growing up in Orange County, CA, the 6-3, 176-lb Hoppe became one of the most productive U.S. Soccer Development Academy goalscorers. After tallying 23 times in 56 appearances for several Strikers FC sides from 2015-17, he struck for 26 goals in 31 matches for Grand Sports Academy in 2017-18. He also added 32 goals in 29 contests for the Barcelona Academy Arizona from 2017-19.
Future USMNT Player?
Today, American prospects competing at the highest level abroad are receiving recognition for their efforts. Hoppe was invited to the U.S. Men’s National Team camp held in preparation for the international friendly versus Switzerland.
USMNT Looking Stronger
American players are starting to gain recognition across the globe, especially as the USMNT won the recent CONCACAF Nations League match against Mexico last Sunday as head coach Gregg Berhalter squad refused to back down and overcame a deficit in over time to reach a 3-2 victory.
Another trained in Germany player, Christian Pulisic, converted his penalty kick late in the game, actually in the 114th minute to score an important goal and the USA’s backup goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made a beautiful save to stop Andres Guardado‘s pk in the 124th.
International Soccer Academy (ISA)
The success of Hoppe comes along with recent news of International Soccer Academy‘s partnership with FC Schalke 04.
International Soccer Academy (ISA) is recruiting American youth soccer players for a 2003/04 team that will participate in the integrated residential program with the historic German club. The program begins in August 2021. For more information, read the article below. Schalke Scouts For Top Youth Players with International Soccer Academy
