CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC today announced the return of former NCFC Academy forward Preston Popp on 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.

Popp 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 out 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," Head Coach John Bradford said. "Having worked with him in our academy program and our USL League Two 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."

Serving as RNY FC's first-ever MLS NEXT Pro signing, 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. Popp also made one appearance for fellow MLS NEXT Pro side FC Cincinnati II on a short-term loan deal in May 2022.

Born in Montréal, Canada, Popp grew up in Mooresville, N.C. 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.