Structure is a key to Olympia soccer's success | Observer Preps

In Greek mythology, the titans were one time the most powerful beings in the universe.

They conquered and ruled with absolute authority.

Just like their mythic namesake, the Olympia Titans boys soccer team has been dominant.

And a big reason for the Titans’ success starts at the top, with head coach Lou Romao, who has spent the last nine years with the boys program.

“The way to really build a program is that it has to start with a structure — just like any other program that you go in,” Romao said. “The kids believe in the program, they believe in my philosophy. … I would say we are one of the most structured teams out there.”

That structure and philosophy of playing hard first laid in 2010 has led the Titans to new heights as a program, and it shows when examining the team’s records and list of alumni.

Through 11 games this season, the Titans have amassed an 8-1-2 record — with the only loss coming in the first game of the season against a talented Timber Creek team that made the state playoffs a year ago.

The 10-game unbeaten streak Olympia is currently riding has seen the Titans outscore opponents 48-13, thanks to an aggressive 4-3-3 that Romao incorporates with his team.

“I’m an offensive-minded coach, and that’s my main goal is to teach them offense, because obviously offense will be your best defense if you’re putting balls in the back of the net,” Romao said. “The more you score, they have to catch up to you, and that’s why we have been really good. But our defense is pretty solid that I feel very comfortable of putting three guys up there so they can run.”

Although the first half of the season went about as well as it possibly could, this back end will prove to be the biggest task so far for Romao and his Titans.

Star player Andrew Lizyness — who also owns the goal record at Olympia — graduated early and already has made his way across town to join the University of Central Florida soccer team, while an injury bug has most recently taken out players such as Bishop Moore transfer Gio Guazzaroni and Christian Lizyness (Andrew’s brother). 

The good news is that there is still plenty of depth to keep up the pace, including transfer student Beto Yorach.

“The way to really build a program is that it has to start with a structure — just like any other program that you go in,” Romao said. “The kids believe in the program, they believe in my philosophy. … I would say we are one of the most structured teams out there.”

— Lou Romao

“He just came from the New Jersey Academy Red Bulls team, and he is going to NC State,” Romao said. “(He is) a great player, and he is actually the one that will be taking on Andrew’s role now that Andrew is gone.”

If you’re interested on how these players are performing this year as it relates to stats, good luck finding those numbers. Romao, you see, holds his cards close to the vest.

“I never put in any stats — I only do that at the end,” Romao said with a laugh. “I don’t want my competition to know who to guard and who not to guard, and I also don’t like the stats thrown out there, because then my players start worrying more about stats than worrying about winning.”

Romao doesn’t struggle to motivate his players; that’s what he does best. And his success is reflected in the overall record of 94-32-23 he has amassed over the years.

And the formula for winning is incredibly simple for Romao, and it’s one that holds tried and true for others.

“My No. 1 goal every year is play one game at a time and let the chips fall wherever they’re supposed to fall,” Romao said. “We can’t worry about looking forward. We can’t worry about who we play against in a month. … The only thing we need to worry about is one game at a time and what we can control at that moment.”