In a thrilling ACC soccer championship game at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, Clemson United secured the victory in penalty kicks, prevailing 1-1 (5-3) over the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The first half of the game saw the Tigers controlling possession, yet they struggled to create scoring chances in the first half, managing only two shots on goal.
The second half brought an early momentum shift as UNC capitalized on a fast break, finding the back of the net just three minutes into the half giving them a 1-0 lead.
“I don’t think much changed. I thought we were consistent with what we did throughout the game, and that’s not easy to do. I thought the team showed great patience and waited for opportunities and they had some really good opportunities that we didn’t score.”
Head Coach Mike Noonan
Despite dominating the remainder of the game, Clemson couldn’t break through until seven minutes from time when Ousmane Sylla was clutch for the Tigers. Sylla received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, used a couple of touches to shift the ball onto his right foot, and curled the ball into the bottom right corner, leveling the score. It’s not that Sylla scored this crucial goal for the Tigers, considering he leads the team in goals with 10 for the season.
“The goals and the assists are secondary to what he means for the team,” Noonan said. “It’s his smile, it’s his passion, it’s his love for his teammates. That, and the selflessness, that’s the word again, the selflessness that he displays every day at practice and when he comes to work every day.”
Head Coach Mike Noonan
The Tigers had a couple of scoring opportunities following the goal but were unable to convert on any, which meant the game heading into overtime.
As overtime progressed, Clemson outshot UNC 4-0 but was unable to put any of those opportunities into the back of the net.
With both teams unable to secure the decisive goal in extra time, the ACC Championship would be decided by a penalty shootout.
The Tigers experienced a sense of déjà vu from the previous Sunday, finding themselves in a similar situation to that of the ACC Quarterfinals where they beat Duke on penalties and converted on all four attempts.
Prior to the shootout, UNC made a goalkeeper switch, substituting Andrew Cordez with Quinn Closson. The Tigers were unfazed by the change and converted on all five penalty kicks to secure the ACC Championship title.
“I don’t think it made a difference,” Noonan said. “They did it in the game against Duke and I was pretty confident no matter who the goalkeeper was.”
Head Coach Mike Noonan
Noonan has now secured three ACC Championship titles with the Tigers. Other notable recognitions from the tournament include Gael Gibert, Joran Gerbet, and Alex Meinhard earning spots on the All-Tournament team. Additionally, Ousmane Sylla was named as the ACC Tournament MVP.
Despite the game taking place in Cary, N.C., which is just a 30-minute drive from Chapel Hill, the atmosphere didn’t feel like an away game for the Tigers. Clemson fans showed up in large numbers and were loud throughout the game, creating an atmosphere that resembled that of Historic Riggs.
“There is no better place in the country to play soccer, at the college level than Clemson, and that’s because of the fans and because of the support that we get, internally through our administration and externally from our fans. It’s second to none.”
Head Coach Mike Noonan
The Tigers have clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament due to winning the ACC. Tomorrow, during the selection show at 1 p.m. on NCAA.com, they will find out their seed and who their first-round opponent will be.
