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Connecting Archilochus to the Lions of Orlando City SC

• Sometimes the ancients have good soccer tips
• Lions increasingly effective on the pitch
• Navy Seals live by the same principle
ByChuck Wharton|
May 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC fans dress up as lions during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
May 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC fans dress up as lions during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Orlando City SC has been operating on a principle traced back to the Greek philosopher Archilochus. So it’s very, very old. But it works.

We don’t rise to the occasion. We fall to the level of our training.  That’s how Orlando City SC players extended their unbeaten streak to four matches as they left the Philadelphia Union pitch with a 0-0 draw.

Recite that saying to your buddies, and they will attribute it to the U.S. Navy Seals. Certainly, they also live by that principle. But it can be traced back to the Greek philosopher and poet Archilochus, who lived in the 7th century BC.

It’s this principle that drove players to quickly train to face their toughest opponent this season in the Philadelphia Union. That team visited Orlando to begin the regular season and beat them 4-2.

Yet, players including Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and David Brekalo accepted complex assignments working out of the 4-2-3-1 starting formation as the team headed to Philadelphia for a second match.

This time they got a point.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja said Thorhallsson was charged with absorbing the Union’s pressure from the midfield. He joined with roster newcomer Joran Gerbet in keeping lines connected.

Brekalo’s assignment was left behind in the defense. He served as the third defender so Alex Freeman could move up the pitch on the right. Pareja especially wanted Brekalo to work on his aerial game. He did so.

Brekalo got into eight aerial duels, winning four of them. He also got in two tackles and executed a dribble.

The Union put in every effort to get a winning result at home, just like they had to open the season in Orlando. But with the efforts of Thorhallsson, Brekalo, and their teammates, Philadelphia’s efforts were thwarted. They had to settle for a draw.

Some things never change. While Archilochus philosophized and wrote poetry, his works include vivid accounts of his experiences on the battlefield. The training worked for him in antiquity and works for the Navy Seals today.

It will also work for Orlando City SC in their fiercest battles on the pitch this season.