2023 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Ousmane Sylla has joined Orange County SC after recording seven goals and five assists for Houston Dynamo 2 in MLS NEXT Pro during his first professional campaign. | Photo courtesy Houston Dynamo FC
IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday it had signed midfielder Ousmane Sylla ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Sylla joins Orange County after competing for Houston Dynamo 2 of MLS NEXT Pro in the 2024 campaign after being selected by the Dynamo with the No. 55 pick of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The 23-year-old recorded seven goals and five assists in 1,987 minutes of action while also logging 39 chances created, while also making one appearance for the Dynamo in the 2024 Concacaf Championship Cup.
“Ousmane is a player with immense potential." said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “Only a year ago he was voted the best college player in the country. We look forward to aiding his development and helping him achieve his goals of playing at the highest level possible. His speed, vision, and technical ability will bring a dynamic edge to our attack.”
Prior to signing with Houston, the Dakar, Senegal native had claimed the 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy, the top honor in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer, as he completed his career at Clemson University. He also helped Clemson win two NCAA titles in three years (2021, '23) and was named a United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team selection. During his collegiate career, Sylla recorded 24 goals and 24 assists in 71 matches.
“I’m looking forward to playing with OCSC this season,” said Sylla. “I can’t wait to meet my teammates and all the fans and I hope to add to the legacy of such a great club by adding another championship in 2025.”