Popp Brings Home NAIA All-American Honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Asbury redshirt-junior Trent Popp has been named an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection after his 22-goal season for the Eagles.  Popp is the third men’s soccer player from Asbury to receive that honor.

Popp (Danville, Ind.) had an offensive outburst as the Eagles posted a 14-win season for the third time in school history, tying the school mark for wins.  Asbury tied for its third-straight KIAC Championship and won the tournament for the third time in school history.

"I was surprised when I found out," said Popp.  "I really wasn't expecting this, but I am very excited.  My coaches and teammates have helped me so much to get to this level and I'm glad I can help bring some recognition to Asbury soccer."

Popp, who played as the left midfielder this year, recorded six multi-goal games including two hat tricks, first against Mountain State on October 21 and just over a week later against OSU-Mansfield on October 29.  He finished fourth in the NAIA in game-winning goals with seven and his 22 goals were seventh overall.  He was also 10th in total points with 48, as he also recorded four assists on the season.

"We are obviously very proud of Trent and what he brought to the team this year," said Head Coach Ben Andrews.  "He has put in the work to become the player that he is, and we, as a whole staff, are just excited for him to be honored like this."

His 22 goals were the most of any player in school history (though complete records are not available at this time). Popp became the first player in more than 10 years to even record double-digit goals in a season.  His 34 career goals are only nine behind what is believed to be the school record of 43 held by two players. 

This year, Popp was also named KIAC Offensive Player of the Year for the second-straight year as well as AMC/GCAC/KIAC Unaffiliated Grouping Player of the Year and NCCAA Mid-East Region Co-Player of the Year.