Since his arrival to Louisville City FC in 2019, Antoine Hoppenot has consistently produced, tallying six goals and nine assists in purple entering the 2021 season.
That it took 14 games for him to contribute to a USL Championship goal this season, however, hasn’t overly frustrated the forward. He said after scoring for LouCity in Friday’s 1-1 draw at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC the tally is “hopefully a starting point.”
“There’s going to be plenty more opportunities,” Hoppenot added. “We’re only a third of the way through the season, so there’s going to be a lot of games for me to build on this.”
A native of Paris who played collegiately and the balance of his professional career in the U.S., Hoppenot had his share of chances this year. He’s among team leaders in both key passes (11) and crosses (22).
In his 50th club appearance, Hoppenot made the most of nice combination play Friday to get on the board. After Jonathan Gomez and Jorge Gonzalez linked up in passing near the box, Gomez ripped in a cross that Hoppenot nudged over the line in the 74th minute.
The fiery forward put a hand to his ear, goading the 6,488 fans on hand in Colorado Springs. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but his breakthrough goal followed a haircut that buzzed off Hoppenot’s magnificent mane earlier this month.
“I haven’t scored and haven’t gotten an assist yet with my long hair, so I think it was holding me back,” Hoppenot joked. “Now that I’ve scored with my short hair, I might not ever grow it back.”
LouCity head coach Danny Cruz often talks about confidence among his group. That word came up again when reflecting on Hoppenot’s performance Friday.
“Ultimately, he took the chance well and put us up a goal so hopefully he continues to build,” Cruz said. “I have full faith in him. He knows that.”
With other results around the USL Championship over the weekend, LouCity maintains a two-point lead atop the Central Division table. The boys in purple continue their road trip Wednesday at Sporting KC II in a game set to air on MyTV 58, ESPN Louisville’s radio stations and ESPN+ streaming.
