Men's Soccer: Hoppenot brings skill, new poise to pros

During his time with the men’s soccer team, Antoine Hoppenot ’12 was an exemplary dribbler. Normally the fastest player on the pitch by a wide margin, he could blow by almost any defender down the sideline into open space. He knew when to pass the ball, but sometimes his best plays came unassisted. One of the most crucial goals of his career — the first score in an eventual 2-1 loss in the first round of the 2010 NCAA tournament — was a corner kick from the left side that went straight into the back of the net.

Hoppenot is still fast, he’s still a great dribbler, and he still has the ability to fire up the crowd and wear down opposing defenders with a late-game breakaway. But now that he’s a professional forward for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer, he’s learned to adjust his role on the field as well as his behavior in times of frustration. Former teammates and coaches said they recognize aspects of his game, but noted he’s matured both technically and emotionally.

“I play a completely different game now,” Hoppenot said, noting the lack of open space to dribble in the faster-paced professional game has made him into more of a one-touch player. “You’re not able to think about what you’re going to do; you just have to react.”

According to Princeton head coach Jim Barlow ’91, Hoppenot has handled the transition from star player to substitute very well. He has received more playing time recently, but earlier in the season the Union brought him in toward the end of games, and he took advantage of his fresh speed to frustrate tired defenders.

“He’s definitely had the ability to get under people’s skin,” senior midfielder Matt Sanner said, who has watched a number of Hoppenot’s games. “Guys are already tired, and then he comes in and they have to deal with this super energetic guy who’s just buzzing around everywhere. He’s just a handful.”

Barlow has seen Hoppenot play a number of times and said these tactics have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia. He had always been quick and pesky, and Barlow said that, in the MLS, he has refined these characteristics of his game and learned to control his emotions.

Hoppenot has matured significantly, especially in “dealing with adversity” and not overreacting to missed calls by referees, Barlow said.

“That stuff used to get to him so much,” Barlow said, adding that Hoppenot has learned how to get under opponents’ skins and make them lose control of their emotions. This was on full display during a close game against rival Montreal Impact in July, when he was headbutted by a frustrated opponent.

“That hurt,” Hoppenot said. “He just let his emotions get the better of him.”

Hoppenot is now also taking on more defensive responsibility for the Union than he did in college. His day-to-day life now revolves around practices and games in a way it couldn’t completely at Princeton, and he stays late after practice to work on his techniques.

For current seniors Mark Linnville and Sanner, who are both hoping to play professionally next year, it has been encouraging to see their former teammate make it in the pros. Sanner said he and Hoppenot speak frequently about the level of difference between professional and college soccer and that Hoppenot will be a good resource for him as he goes through the draft in January.

“We played up top for three years together and had great chemistry on the field,” Sanner said. “To see him doing things on the field now, you can’t help but think that you might be able to have a similar level of success.”

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In addition to setting an example for current players, Linnville pointed out that Hoppenot’s success in the MLS so far helps the program from a recruiting standpoint as well. Pointing out that Hoppenot developed his skills at Princeton can help the program attract students interested in playing professionally.

Hoppenot said he is happy to be playing more of late and hopes he can build on his stat line of two goals and one assist. He is on contract with the Union through the end of the season in late October — and the team has an option to extend his contract through next year.

“My goals are just to be part of the team again next year, be able to contribute and hopefully make a playoff appearance,” Hoppenot said. “The goal is now to get my skills better and see what I can bring to the table.”