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.