Orlando Pride

2024 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Julie Doyle

A look at the forward’s third season with the Pride.

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4 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

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. On May 8, 2023 the California native was given a new two-year contract through the 2024 season. Doyle was then given another contract on Oct. 1, 2024, a new two-year deal through the 2026 season.

Doyle saw more of the pitch this season but wasn’t able to increase her offensive productivity. Let’s look at how the attacker performed in 2024.

Statistical Breakdown

Doyle played in 25 of the Pride’s 26 games in the regular season, starting 21 and recording 1,377 minutes. She scored two goals and added one assist on one key pass, with seven successful crosses and seven completed long balls. Doyle put 13 of her 23 regular-season shots on target and completed 76% of her 308 passes. Despite playing in the attack, she also helped defensively, recording 17 tackles and four interceptions. She committed 15 fouls, suffered 23 fouls, and earned two yellow cards.

During the NWSL playoffs, Doyle came off the bench in all three of the Pride’s matches, recording 72 minutes. The majority of those minutes came when she subbed on at halftime for Ally Watt in the 4-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars. Through the three matches, she took five shots, putting one on target, and completed 92% of her 12 passes. Defensively, Doyle recorded two tackles, committed two fouls, and earned one yellow card.

Doyle played in all three of the Pride’s NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup games, starting in the first and third games while recording 189 minutes. Doyle scored one goal on five shots with two on target. She did not register an assist, but completed 19 of her 33 passes (62%) without recording a key pass, a long ball, or a cross, turning the ball over 25 times. Her one goal came in the match against Liga MX Femenil club CF Monterrey. Defensively, the attacker contributed one interception and won two headed duels. She committed one foul, drew one on her opponents, and wasn’t booked.

Best Game

Doyle’s best game came in the 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave June 7. While it was the match that broke the team’s NWSL-record winning streak after eight victories, the Pride remained undefeated, thanks to a first-half goal from Doyle. She made a good run into the box, and held up just a bit to give herself space between the defenders. It wasn’t an easy goal, as the cross from Barbra Banda was slightly behind her, but she made the most of it to give the Pride the early lead.

The attacker started, played 63 minutes, and was a big part of the Pride’s offensive scheme, touching the ball 30 times and completing 86% of her 14 passes. Two of her three shots were on target, including the goal. She also contributed defensively, adding two tackles and committing one foul.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Doyle a composite grade of 5.5 out of 10 for the 2024 season, which matches the 5.5 grade she received last year. Doyle always brings the energy when she is in a match, but her finishing and decision making in the final third aren’t always the best. Still, the club finds value in her game, and I’m certain she’s a cultural fit within the club and the locker room. A few more goals and she can see her grade go up next year.

2025 Outlook

Doyle will be with the Orlando Pride in 2025 as the club looks to defend two titles. With Banda, Adriana, Ally Watt, Grace Chanda, and Summer Yates all options for Seb Hines, Doyle might find herself in the role of energetic sub again next season. She’ll still get plenty of playing time but is unlikely to get as many starts as she did early in 2024. That doesn’t mean she won’t play an important role, but she’ll need to put the ball in the net a lot more to earn a starting spot.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

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