Looking to build an experienced professional program capable of winning championships, the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club has taken another step in that direction.
Conor Doyle became the 16th signee for the Red Wolves, who expect to gain a powerful boot and veteran savviness from the experienced forward.
Doyle appeared in 56 matches for Major League Soccer's D.C. United, with whom he won an Open Cup in 2013.
Excited to be a part of the Red Wolves' attack with the likes of midfielder Steven Beattie and Eamon Zayed (211 career goals), Doyle believes the local club can create havoc against defenses in the USL League One's inaugural season.
"The first time I spoke with the head coach (Tim Hankinson), he said we are trying to go out and win this thing," Doyle told the Times Free Press in a phone interview. "Seeing the team that is being put together and all the experience we have collectively is huge."
Hankinson wants to build off experienced talent in competing for the Open Cup and a league championship.
"It is a win now. Let's get the city excited and make believers in the soccer community right now for us," Hankinson said. "That takes guys who are seasoned pros. We will have some young guys, but we will also have some players who are older and proven talents who can take us far."
He wants the Red Wolves to put the pedal to the metal on the attack right away, stirring fan excitement with the product on the field. Doyle, for one, expects sparks to fly.
"On the attacking side you would love to put three or four goals in the back of the net every game," the 27-year-old said. "It's going to be a challenge of, course, but we would love for this team to be able to do that and have the top attack in the league."
Doyle made his professional debut with Derby County FC in England in 2010 after playing for Creighton in college.
From 2013 to 2016 he appeared at the MLS level with D.C. United for 56 matches (4 goals) and played in three for the Colorado Rapids in 2016.
"I like to get on the ball and push forward," Doyle said. "My main goal is to try and help us get some goals and to make it a successful inaugural year. I can't wait to see the day we get into our own stadium, too."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.