PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Tuesday it had signed forward Mark Doyle ahead of its inaugural season in the USL Championship in 2024. Doyle joins Rhode Island FC after an impressive career in the League of Ireland First Division from 2016-2023, where he contributed significantly to both Drogheda United and St Patrick’s Athletic, making 189 appearances and scoring 59 goals.

“Mark is a player with a proven track record of repeated success. He is a very direct player with a habit of scoring goals in key moments which makes Mark an incredible asset to our growing Rhode Island FC roster. It is an honor to welcome him to the team,” said RIFC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “With each player announcement, my excitement for Rhode Island FC’s inaugural season continues to grow. I can’t wait to start working with this incredible group of athletes as we prepare for our inaugural season in 2024.”

Doyle's goalscoring ability was showcased recently in his farewell game for St. Pat’s on November 12, when he scored the equalizer as the side rallied to defeat Bohemians 3-1 in the 2023 FAI Cup Final to claim the trophy.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Rhode Island FC roster, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the club’s inaugural season,” said Doyle. “I look forward to working alongside my teammates and coaching staff to create a team that is ready to compete from our first game and that Rhode Island FC fans will be proud to cheer on.”

Analysis

A 24-year-old forward, Mark Doyle will head outside his home country of Ireland for the first time in his career as he arrives at Rhode Island FC. He brings with him a solid strike record in the top two flights in Ireland. Listed at 6-foot, he’ll be hoping to make a similar positive impact that other League of Ireland imports have had in the USL Championship over the years.

One of those is current Sacramento Republic FC defender Lee Desmond, who was a fellow St. Pat’s alum before making his move across the Atlantic, and current Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Jordan Doherty, who played a key role for the side in his return to Tampa Bay after playing for Bohemians. Others like former Republic FC forward Tommy Stewart, and current Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC assistant coach James Chambers, have also had a major impact in the league.