Orlando Pride Season in Review: Julie Doyle

The Orlando Pride selected Julie Doyle 11th overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft and signed her on Jan 27, 2022 to a one-year contract with an option for 2023. The California native was given a new two-year contract on May 8, 2023 through the 2024 season. Doyle battled some injuries but came back to be a consistent contributor for the club.

Let’s take a look at the forward’s 2023 season with the Orlando Pride.

Statistical Breakdown

Doyle appeared in 16 regular season matches, starting 11, for a total of 832 minutes. She scored two goals on 16 shots with six on target. She also provided three assists. Doyle completed 141 of her 217 total passes (65%). She was accurate on 51.4% of her passes in the opponent’s half, and 77.8% in her own half. She was six of 11 on her long passes (54.5%). She also completed four of her 28 crosses, and made nine key passes. Defensively, she recorded one interception and one block, won six of her nine tackles (66.7%), won 32 of her 95 duels (33.7%), and was successful on six of her 16 aerial duels (37.5%). She also committed 12 fouls, suffered 11 fouls, and was not booked.

The 25-year-old made four appearances in NWSL Challenge Cup play, starting all four and playing 303 total minutes. Doyle did not score any goals but took four shots with one on target, she attempted seven crosses (none successful), and was unable to register an assist. Doyle completed 37 of her 68 total passes (54.4%). She was accurate on 48.2% in the opponent’s half, and 50% in her own half.  Doyle was one of four on her long passes (25%) and made six key passes. Defensively, she finished the competition with one interception, won two of her eight tackles (25%), won 16 of her 30 duels (53.3%), and won her only aerial duel (100%). She also committed two fouls, suffered four fouls, and was not booked.

Best Game

Doyle’s best match was easily the 3-0 win over the Washington Spirit on July 1. Doyle scored a brace within the first 16 minutes to secure the victory for the Pride. The first was a off a throw-in that found the ball bouncing around in the box for Doyle to slam home with her first touch.

The second was a cross/shot from the left side of goal that simply curled around the keeper and inside the right post.

Doyle was subbed off in the 58th minute but was the most impactful player in the match. Her two goals were on three shots, with two on target, but the one miss was only inches away from completing her hat trick. She also had one key pass. Doyle completed eight of her 13 passes (61.5%) on 28 touches, committed only one foul, and was not booked. She earned Player of the Match from both Michael Citro and myself on SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast.  

2023 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Doyle a composite rating of 6 for the 2023 season. Doyle received a grade of 5.5 in 2022 mostly due to her lack of starts. Injury hampered Doyle’s contributions early in 2023, but she brings an energy to the field that extends to her teammates. She is dangerous on the left, and fits it nicely with the other offensive players no matter which players she was working alongside. 

2024 Outlook

Doyle is signed through 2024 and so I expect her to be with the Pride next season. The energy she brings whether starting or coming off the bench is impressive and if she stays healthy she will be able to contribute even more to the offense next season. If she improves in 2024 I can see the club looking to retain her services going forward.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Kaylie Collins (10/23/23)
• Amanda Allen (10/24/23)
• Celia (10/25/23)
• Brianna Martinez (10/26/23)
• Thais Reiss (10/29/23)
• Mariana Larroquette (10/30/23)
• Tori Hansen (11/1/23)
• Jordyn Listro (11/2/23)
• Caitlin Cosme (11/5/23)
• Summer Yates (11/6/23)
• Ally Watt (11/9/23)
• Megan Montefusco (11/13/23)
• Carly Nelson (11/14/23)