University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Claire Kaufmann
Soccer Journeys: Einar and Orri’s Path from Iceland to College Soccer in the States
11/8/2024 4:58:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. - Soccer may be known as the world's game, but for two young men from Iceland, it has shaped their lives in many ways. Einar Hardarson and Orri Thorhallsson, two midfielders playing for the University of Delaware men's soccer team, share a passion for the game that has carried them from their hometowns to the collegiate soccer fields of America.
For Einar, soccer was never a choice–it was simply a part of life. Growing up in Hafnarfjordur Iceland, a town known for its love of the sport, Einar was playing soccer by the time he was 4 or 5 years old. In Iceland, where almost 90% of the kids play the game, soccer is more than just a hobby; it's a cultural cornerstone. For Orri, the story is slightly different. Though born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland, Orri's journey was deterred when his family moved to Alabama. Some of his earliest memories are playing soccer around the age of 4 in the heart of the American South.
For both Einar and Orri, playing soccer in college was never a far-fetched dream. Einar admits his entry into college soccer was more spontaneous unlike Orri, who always envisioned continuing his soccer career at the collegiate level—thanks in part to his parents, both of whom played soccer at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). Despite their different approaches, both players found their way to the University of Delaware.
Einar and Orri crossed paths back in Iceland, where they joined Soccer Education USA. This organization focused on helping Icelandic athletes make the transition to American College Soccer, making a great impact on their journeys. Orri connected with a fellow Icelander, Isaac who had already made the jump to the University of Delaware. Sharing his experiences added fuel to Orri's curiosity and gave him a firsthand look at the world of American college soccer. Although Einar's decision to play collegiate soccer was more unplanned, the attraction of a new level of competition as well as the chance to pursue his studies made the decision more clear.
Now both playing at UD, the duo found themselves adjusting not only to life in the U.S. but to a fast-paced American playing style.
"It's different here," Einar shared. "Back in Iceland, it's slower, more technical. Here, it's fast and athletic. You have to keep up, and adapt."
One thing that caught their attention was the substitution rule–back home, subs are limited, adding more pressure to conserve energy and stay effective on the field. Here in the U.S., more substitutions mean faster play, demanding more physical and mental stamina.
Their weekly routine includes early morning practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and afternoon practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Sundays usually off unless there is a game. The physical demands are intense, but balancing academics and soccer is not as difficult for them as anticipated. Both study sport management, they find their professors to be incredibly supportive.
"They understand what it's like," Orri said. "It's a relief to have that understanding from them."
As for the future, both players see soccer remaining an important part of their lives. Einar and Orri plan on heading back to Iceland after graduation to join a semi-pro team. Regardless of where they end up, the lessons they have learned from the field have already made a huge impact.
"You just have to do your job," Orri shared. "The harder you work individually, the better the team is as a whole."
From Iceland to Delaware, Einar and Orri are building a bridge between two soccer worlds, blending Iceland's technical precision with the potent athleticism of the American game. Through new experiences, they are adapting, growing, and preparing for the next chapter of their story.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's soccer, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
For Einar, soccer was never a choice–it was simply a part of life. Growing up in Hafnarfjordur Iceland, a town known for its love of the sport, Einar was playing soccer by the time he was 4 or 5 years old. In Iceland, where almost 90% of the kids play the game, soccer is more than just a hobby; it's a cultural cornerstone. For Orri, the story is slightly different. Though born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland, Orri's journey was deterred when his family moved to Alabama. Some of his earliest memories are playing soccer around the age of 4 in the heart of the American South.
For both Einar and Orri, playing soccer in college was never a far-fetched dream. Einar admits his entry into college soccer was more spontaneous unlike Orri, who always envisioned continuing his soccer career at the collegiate level—thanks in part to his parents, both of whom played soccer at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). Despite their different approaches, both players found their way to the University of Delaware.
Einar and Orri crossed paths back in Iceland, where they joined Soccer Education USA. This organization focused on helping Icelandic athletes make the transition to American College Soccer, making a great impact on their journeys. Orri connected with a fellow Icelander, Isaac who had already made the jump to the University of Delaware. Sharing his experiences added fuel to Orri's curiosity and gave him a firsthand look at the world of American college soccer. Although Einar's decision to play collegiate soccer was more unplanned, the attraction of a new level of competition as well as the chance to pursue his studies made the decision more clear.
Now both playing at UD, the duo found themselves adjusting not only to life in the U.S. but to a fast-paced American playing style.
"It's different here," Einar shared. "Back in Iceland, it's slower, more technical. Here, it's fast and athletic. You have to keep up, and adapt."
One thing that caught their attention was the substitution rule–back home, subs are limited, adding more pressure to conserve energy and stay effective on the field. Here in the U.S., more substitutions mean faster play, demanding more physical and mental stamina.
Their weekly routine includes early morning practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and afternoon practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Sundays usually off unless there is a game. The physical demands are intense, but balancing academics and soccer is not as difficult for them as anticipated. Both study sport management, they find their professors to be incredibly supportive.
"They understand what it's like," Orri said. "It's a relief to have that understanding from them."
As for the future, both players see soccer remaining an important part of their lives. Einar and Orri plan on heading back to Iceland after graduation to join a semi-pro team. Regardless of where they end up, the lessons they have learned from the field have already made a huge impact.
"You just have to do your job," Orri shared. "The harder you work individually, the better the team is as a whole."
From Iceland to Delaware, Einar and Orri are building a bridge between two soccer worlds, blending Iceland's technical precision with the potent athleticism of the American game. Through new experiences, they are adapting, growing, and preparing for the next chapter of their story.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's soccer, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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