December 14, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC have signed former academy star forward Preston Popp to a professional contract for the 2023 League One season, pending league and federation approval. The deal also includes a team option for the 2024 season. Popp spent his first professional season with Rochester New York FC of MLS Next Pro in 2022.
Popp scored 25 goals in 28 matches in his lone season with the NCFC Academy in 2017, finishing third in the nation in scoring. He then went on to a stellar four-year career at UNC Charlotte. He was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team and earned All-Tournament team honors in 2018.
He followed that up by splitting the conference Golden Boot in 2020-21 before winning it outright as a senior in the fall of 2021. He scored eight goals and dished three assists, earning first team league honors and scored the game-winner in an upset over No. 5 Kentucky, leading the Niners to an at-large NCAA Tournament berth.
“I’m excited to welcome Preston back to North Carolina FC. Having worked with him in our Academy Program and our USL-2 team, I know what he can bring to the first team. He’s continued to improve in college and in his first professional season and I’m anticipating him to have a strong season with us in 2023. His quality, goal-scoring, and work rate will be a great addition to our squad,” said head coach John Bradford.
Popp played nearly 250 minutes across nine matches with Rochester last season, including one start, and had a pair of assists. He also took four shots and posted a 75% passing accuracy. Born in Montreal, Canada, Popp grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina. He turned 23 years old earlier this month. Prior to joining the North Carolina FC Academy, Popp spent time with New York Red Bulls Academy, Toronto FC Academy and Charlotte Soccer Academy.
SEASON TICKETS: The 2023 North Carolina FC season is right around the corner. Season tickets are on sale now with great discounts, exclusive access to events and several incentives. Visit www.northcarolinafc.com/season-tickets for more information and ways to purchase.
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