After Clemson defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Tournament Championship on Sunday, star midfielder Ousmane Sylla spoke to the media.

Sylla was the only player for Clemson to score a goal in regulation, as the game was tied 1-1 at the end of overtime before Clemon ultimately won in a penalty kick shootout.

“This is what I was thinking, just to shoot the ball because this team never gives up, and we had the belief that no matter what, we can get through,” Sylla said of his clutch 83rd-minute goal.

just unreal. #ClemsonUnited pic.twitter.com/Zx5G7sEFbp

— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) November 13, 2023

Head coach Mike Noonan had high praise for Sylla, speaking about his obvious talent and how he brings even more to the team through his work ethic and passion for his teammates.

Sylla leads Clemson in both goals scored and assists in the 2023 season, with 10 and nine, respectively, and has become the most dangerous offensive player for the Tigers.

Sylla also scored one of the penalty kicks for the Tigers during the penalty shootout, which Clemson won 5-3 to win the conference. Sylla spoke about how Clemson was going to celebrate this title win.

“We get on the bus, go back home, get home, we have school tomorrow, so probably turn around and look forward to tomorrow’s bracket and getting excited for the NCAA,” he said.

Sylla’s play throughout the Tigers’ three games in the ACC Tournament earned him the Most Outstanding Player award. Sylla scored three goals and assisted two for the Tigers and spoke about what winning the award meant to him.

“It meant a lot, but first of all, for me, it was collective, so I was happy when we won the ACC.”