Former DA standout Matthew Hoppe records hat trick in Bundesliga at age 19

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Schalke 04 forward Matthew Hoppe made history on Saturday, becoming the first American to record a hat trick in the Bundesliga.

Playing in just his fifth Bundesliga match, the 19-year-old exploded onto the scene with his first, second and third career goals during Schalke’s 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim. His goals all came during a whirlwind span from late in the first half to early in the second half, as he struck in the 42nd, 57th and 63rd minutes.

Hoppe is a native of Orange County, Calif. who played youth soccer from 2015-2017 for Strikers FC. He went on to represent Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona from 2017-2019, prior to signing with Schalke. During his youth career in America, he was one of the premier offensive players in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Upon his arrival in Germany, Hoppe played in 16 games for the club’s second team, before getting called up to the first team in 2020.

Interestingly, Hoppe has not received any call ups to date with the U.S. Men’s National Team at the senior level or at the youth level.