Conor Doyle Explained

Conor Doyle
Fullname:Conor Joseph Doyle[1]
Birth Date:October 13, 1991
Birth Place:McKinney, Texas, United States
Position:Midfielder, winger, forward
Currentclub:South Georgia Tormenta
Clubnumber:30
Youthclubs1:Dallas Texans
College1:Creighton Bluejays
Youthyears1:2008–2009
Collegeyears1:2010
Collegecaps1:7
Collegegoals1:3
Clubs1:Derby County
Clubs2:D.C. United (loan)
Years1:2010–2013
Years2:2013
Caps1:22
Caps2:14
Goals1:0
Goals2:2
Years3:2014–2015
Clubs3:D.C. United
Caps3:42
Goals3:2
Years4:2016
Clubs4:Colorado Rapids
Caps4:3
Goals4:0
Years5:2016
Clubs5:Colorado Springs Switchbacks (loan)
Caps5:11
Goals5:1
Years6:2017
Clubs6:Puerto Rico FC
Caps6:28
Goals6:5
Years7:2018
Clubs7:Jacksonville Armada
Caps7:11
Goals7:3
Years8:2019–2020
Clubs8:Chattanooga Red Wolves
Caps8:40
Goals8:2
Years9:2021–2023
Clubs9:Union Omaha
Caps9:86
Goals9:2
Years10:2024–
Clubs10:South Georgia Tormenta
Caps10:0
Goals10:0
Nationalteam1:United States U20
Nationalteam2:Republic of Ireland U21
Nationalyears1:2010–2011
Nationalyears2:2011
Nationalcaps1:6
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals1:4
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2011
Nationalteam3:United States U23
Nationalcaps3:1
Nationalgoals3:0
Club-Update:October 18, 2023

Conor Joseph Doyle (born October 13, 1991) is an American soccer player who plays for South Georgia Tormenta in the USL League One.

Career

Youth career

Doyle played his youth soccer with the Dallas Texans Soccer Club and McKinney Boyd High School,[2] from which he graduated in December 2009 in order to enroll early at Creighton University, where he was scheduled to play college soccer for the Bluejays. He appeared in all seven spring exhibitions for the Bluejays in 2010, helping the team to a perfect 7–0–0 record.[3]

Derby County

However, on August 6, 2010, he signed with Football League Championship club Derby County on a two-year contract before ever making an official appearance for Creighton.[4] He had been discovered by a Derby scout in a tournament in the Summer of 2009 and had a three-day trial with the club.[5] He impressed so was invited back for a three-week trial towards the end of his Spring 2010 semester.[5] Doyle said later that "I felt like the trial I had with them went as good as it could possibly go."[5] He was rewarded with a two-year contract worth, according to Doyle, $54,000 a year (approx. £34,000).[5] He made his full debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 defeat away to Crewe Alexandra in the League Cup First Round on August 10, 2010.[6] He made his first league appearance at home in the 2–1 defeat to Cardiff City on August 14, 2010, in the Championship.[7] He started in The Rams' next game against Coventry City, being substituted in the 72nd minute by Tomasz Cywka.[8] Doyle featured 14 times for the first team during the season, 5 times as a starter.

Despite normally playing as a forward, Derby manager Nigel Clough tried him in an unfamiliar holding midfield role during the 2011–12 preseason, with the side switching to a new 4-1-3-2 formation.[9] Doyle featured 6 times in the 2011–12 season, with one start against Peterborough United on November 5, 2011.[10] Doyle saw first team opportunities reduced due to the emergence of Mason Bennett and Callum Ball. Doyle was ruled out for four to six weeks due to a torn hamstring after picking up the injury in a reserve game in March 2012.[11]

At the end of the 2011–12 season, it was announced by the club that Doyle would be retained by the club for the 2012–13 season.[12] Clough said in an interview in July 2012 that he expected Doyle to impress this season, saying "This is the season where if he's going to do it, he's going to have to blossom."[13] He also expected Doyle to feature more in matchday squads.[13] However, Doyle only featured three times for the first team, with his last league appearance being in September. Doyle, though had his contract extended by a further year in May 2013 and he was made available for a loan move.[14]

Major League Soccer (2013–2016)

D.C. United

In July 2013 Doyle was linked with Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids for a six-month loan,[15] however the MLS rules on player registrations complicated the move and he could join for the second half of the MLS season.[16] On July 18, Doyle joined fellow rival MLS club D.C. United on a loan deal to the end of the 2013 MLS season, with an option to buy the player which lapses on December 1.[17] Doyle made his debut on July 27 from the starting 11 against New England Revolution, being replaced after 66 minutes in a 2–1 loss. In Doyle's second match with United on August 3, he scored the game-winning goal over Montreal Impact from the bench – his first goal in senior football since the start of his career in 2010. Doyle played a part in United's 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup victory.

Doyle's move was made permanent following the 2013 season.[18]

In the 2014 season, Doyle was primarily used as a reserve striker for United behind Fabian Espindola and Eddie Johnson, although he was often a first choice off the bench. On August 5, 2014, Doyle suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training.[19] Doyle missed the remainder of the 2014 season.

Throughout 2015, Doyle returned to action with United where he was once again, usually a reserve striker. Doyle scored his first professional goal in nearly two years in a 3–1 win over Chicago Fire on June 3, 2015.[20] Doyle scored again just three weeks later, once again against Chicago in a 1–0 away victory. Doyle hit a strike from roughly 35 yards out that many claim to be a goal of the year nominee.[21] Towards the end of the 2015 season, Doyle became less of a reserve and more of a squad rotation player, where he shifted to more of a midfielder role. He last appeared for DC United on October 25, 2015, in a game against the Columbus Crew SC. He was subbed in the game and played 21 minutes in the 5–0 loss.[22]

Colorado Rapids

On February 9, 2016, Doyle was traded to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.[23] On July 20, 2016, it was announced Doyle would join the United Soccer League's club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on loan for the remainder of the 2016 season.[24]

U.S. Lower Leagues (since 2017)

NASL (2017) and NPSL (2018)

On January 30, 2017, it was announced Doyle would be joining Puerto Rico FC in the NASL.[25] Doyle also played for the Jacksonville Armada in 2018.

Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League 1) (2019-Present)

On January 22, 2019, Doyle became the 16th signing of the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC to take part in both the team and USL League One's inaugural season.[26]

Union Omaha

Doyle moved to USL League One side Union Omaha on 22 January 2021.[27]

South Georgia Tormenta

On January 26, 2024, Doyle moved to South Georgia Tormenta on a two-year deal ahead of their 2024 season in the USL League One.[28]

International career

Doyle was called up to the USA Under-20 squad for their training camp in mid December. In January 2011, he was called up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to face Cyprus Under-21.[29] International rules state Doyle can play for both Ireland and U.S.A below full senior level, and in February 2011 after his call-up by Ireland Under-21, Doyle revealed he was yet to make a final decision on which country he will represent.[30]

Doyle was called up to the USA Under-20 squad for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March–April.[31] Doyle scored twice in the competition as the USA were eliminated in the quarter-final stage.

In June 2011, Doyle committed his future to the United States.[32] In November 2011, Doyle was called up to a training camp with the USA Under-23 squad, which took place at Duisburg, Germany from November 7–16, 2011.[33]

Career statistics

ClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
EnglandLeagueFA CupLeague CupEuropeTotal
Derby County2010–11Championship1400000140
2011–1260000060
2012–1320100030
United StatesLeagueU.S. Open CupPlayoffsNorth AmericaTotal
D.C. United (loan)2013MLS14220162
D.C. United20141701000180
2015252201042304
Colorado Rapids3000000030
MLS Total594501042676
Colorado Springs Switchbacks2016USL PRO101001000111
Puerto Rico FC2017NASL285000000285
2018NPSL101000000101
2019USL League One182100000192
U.S. Lower Leagues Total669101000689
TotalEngland22 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 23 0
United States12513 6 0 20 4 2 13115
Career statistics1471370304215415

Honors

Player

D.C. United

Personal life

Conor's Irish-born father, David, is a former indoor soccer player who played for the Kansas City Comets, Dallas Sidekicks, St. Louis Ambush, and Wichita Wings as a forward.[34] As of July 2012, David is the current head soccer coach at Flower Mound High School in Flower Mound, Texas.[35]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Line Ups . https://archive.today/20130215162357/http://en.calameo.com/read/0012302353c6fb35e7531?page=24 . dead . February 15, 2013 . Calaméo . January 15, 2013 .
  2. News: Steve . Kirk . Doyle Is A Believer . McKinneyNews.net . March 21, 2007 . August 6, 2010 .
  3. Web site: Men's Soccer Explodes For 10-Goal Weekend . Creigton Athletic Department . August 26, 2010 . August 6, 2010.
  4. News: Arch . Bell . Doyle Derby Deal Done . Yanks-Abroad.com . August 6, 2010 . August 6, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101227042624/http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=6601 . December 27, 2010 . usurped .
  5. Web site: Doyle making strides at Derby . https://web.archive.org/web/20100909230713/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/avi_creditor/09/06/conor.doyle/index.html . Avi Creditor . Sports Illustrated . September 7, 2010 . October 16, 2016 . September 9, 2010.
  6. Web site: Crewe 1–0 Derby . BBC Sport . August 10, 2010 . August 18, 2010.
  7. Web site: Derby 1–2 Cardiff . BBC Sport . August 14, 2010 . August 18, 2010.
  8. Web site: Coventry 2–1 Derby . BBC Sport . August 21, 2010 . 21 August 2010.
  9. http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Rams-set-gamble-Bailey/story-13054582-detail/story.html Rams set to take a gamble on Bailey
  10. Web site: Peterborough United 3 – 2 Derby County . Derby County F.C . November 5, 2011.
  11. http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Blow-Conor-Doyle-denied-chance-midfield-role/story-15519597-detail/story.html Blow for Conor Doyle as he is denied chance of midfield role
  12. News: Rams Confirm Retained List . dcfc.co.uk . May 13, 2012 .
  13. News: Clough Challenges Doyle To Make Impact . dcfc.co.uk . July 24, 2012.
  14. Web site: New deals for quartet as Rams confirm their retained list . Derby Evening Telegraph . May 22, 2013 . May 22, 2013.
  15. Web site: MLS loan spell could be on the cards for Conor Doyle . Derby Telegraph . July 3, 2013 . July 15, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130705204634/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/MLS-loan-spell-cards-Conor-Doyle/story-19454548-detail/story.html#ixzz2Xxl1muQc . July 5, 2013 . dead .
  16. Web site: Derby County forward Conor Doyle may be an option for second half of the season . Colorado Rapids . July 8, 2013.
  17. Web site: D.C. United acquires Conor Doyle . D.C. United . July 18, 2013 . July 18, 2013 . July 22, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130722022746/http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/07/dc-united-acquires-conor-doyle . dead .
  18. Web site: D.C. United signs Conor Doyle . MLS . December 13, 2013 . November 18, 2017 . February 14, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140214091756/http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/12/dc-united-signs-conor-doyle . dead .
  19. Web site: Goff . Steven . D.C. United's Conor Doyle out for season with knee injury . The Washington Post – Soccer Insider . WashingtonPost.com . June 26, 2015 . August 5, 2014.
  20. Web site: D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire Boxscore (June 3, 2015) . MLSSoccer.com . Major League Soccer . June 26, 2015.
  21. Web site: Chicago Fire vs. DC United (June 24, 2015) . MLSSoccer.com . Major League Soccer . 26 June 2015.
  22. Web site: Conor Doyle. October 26, 2019.
  23. Web site: D.C. United acquire 2017 natural third round pick from Colorado Rapids . February 9, 2016 . DCUnited.com .
  24. Web site: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC » Switchbacks FC Sign Rapid's Forward Conor Doyle On Loan Deal . Ragain . Nicholas . switchbacksfc.com . 2016-07-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160815054205/http://switchbacksfc.com/switchbacks-fc-sign-rapids-forward-conor-doyle-on-loan-deal/ . August 15, 2016 . dead .
  25. Web site: PRFC ADDS MLS EXPERIENCE WITH THE SIGNING OF CONOR DOYLE . January 30, 2017 . November 18, 2017.
  26. Web site: Red Wolves Add Doyle to Inaugural Roster. USLLeagueOne com Staff. January 23, 2019. USL League One.
  27. Web site: Union Omaha Signs Conor Doyle, Greg Hurst for 2021. January 22, 2021.
  28. Web site: South Georgia Tormenta FC Announce Conor Doyle on Two-Year Contract.
  29. Web site: James McCarthy and Conor Doyle named in U21 squad . GreenScene . February 27, 2011 . February 27, 2011.
  30. Web site: Peterborough Doyle Receives Ireland Call . Derby County F.C . February 11, 2011 . January 30, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110131175031/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10270~2279484%2C00.html . January 31, 2011 . dead .
  31. Web site: Rongen Finalizes Roster for CONCACAF Under-20 Championship . US Soccer . March 17, 2011 . March 19, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110320224604/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-20-MNT/2011/03/Rongen-Finalizes-Roster-for-CONCACAF-U20-Championship.aspx . March 20, 2011 . mdy-all.
  32. Web site: Conor Doyle commits to America . GreenScene . June 3, 2011 . July 26, 2012.
  33. Web site: Conor called up for US training . Derby Evening Telegraph . November 4, 2011 . July 26, 2012 .
  34. Web site: Young American hopes to fulfil childhood dream of a career playing in England . Derby Evening Telegraph . August 13, 2010 . August 18, 2010 . August 18, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100818010752/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Young-American-hopes-fulfil-childhood-dream-career-playing-England/article-2522194-detail/article.html . dead .
  35. Web site: Soccer – Boys Staff . Flower Mound High School . July 26, 2012.