University of Dayton Athletics

2009
The Dayton native played big for the Flyers this year scoring five of his seven goals in conference games, helping the Flyers win the regular season Atlantic 10 Championship … finished second on the team in goals...made one start while playing in 11 games this year, with a total of 609 minutes… also had one assist to account for a total of 15 points….. scored three game-winning goals over the season and was a perfect 2-for-2 in penalty kicks … scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over A-10 opponent Saint Louis (Nov. 1) and punched in two goals in the decisive game against St. Bonaventure to clinch the A-10 title for the Flyers… played in 61 games for UD, tallying 16 goals and five assists over his career… was named to the College Soccer News National Team, as well as the Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team.. joined teammate Randy Dennis as a Dayton Dutch Lions signee.


2008 
Appeared in all 22 games and earned two starts...was fourth on the team in scoring with four goals and two assists, netting 10 points for the second consecutive season...scored all 10 of his points in Atlantic 10 matches, tied for seventh in Conference-only games...really turned on the jets in the latter part of the season, scoring all his points in the last 11 games...scored first assist against George Washington (Oct. 12)...his next assist came against La Salle (Oct. 26) and he went on to score in three of the Flyers' next four games...notched two goals against Saint Joseph's (Nov. 2) and scored goals on penalty kicks against Temple (Oct. 31) and Rhode Island (Nov. 13)...was 2-for-2 on PK attempts on the season...was third on the team in shots with 40, including 18 on goal.

2007
Popella developed into a consistent scorer down the stretch for the Flyers...finished tied for third on the team in scoring with 10 points...recorded four goals with three game-winners and two assists...played all 19 games and made six starts...dished out his first assist of the year at Butler...broke out of a scoring slump and tallied the game-winner at Wright State for the game's only goal...added his second goal and game-winner of the season at La Salle...picked up a goal and an assist over Saint Joseph's...came back the next day and tallied his third game-winner in a 1-0 win against Temple...named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week on Oct. 29.

2006
Popella played in nine games and started three for UD...the forward had one goal for two points taking eight shots for the season, five of which were on goal...had one goal in a 2-2 tie against Richmond...second on team in shot on goal percentage and had three shots on goal against Northern Illinois.

Prior to UD
One of two Flyers who collegesoccernews.com lists as a "Top 100 Freshmen To Keep An Eye On" in 2006 (Randy Dennis is the other)...Popella was named the D-II State Player of the Year...named a 2005 NSCAA All-American...MML Player of the Year...First Team All-State, All-Area and All-League...played for the 2002 Ohio South State team...has also played for the Inter Dayton, United Rapids, Celtics and Ohio Galaxies club teams.

Personal
Son of Jeff and Lora Popella and has two sisters Amber and Marissa, and two brothers Nick and Nate...born November 15, 1987...majoring in communications.