But there was a homecoming ahead in 2021. An opportunity at Union Omaha meant a chance to play, once again, for Coach Mims. That same man who saw Doyle’s talent and brought him to Creighton all those years before.
“Conor is a great player and an even better person,” said Mims, an avowed admirer of his captain’s qualities. “He leads by example every day with such great humility.”
“It was awesome when we won the championship [USL League One in 2021],” said Doyle, recalling the national title the Owls scooped in their first year of operation. “I went up to Jay [Mims] and said it’s great we’re finally able to bring a championship to Omaha. It’s just come full circle. And being able to do what I’m doing now with him is pretty special.”
Man in the Middle
Doyle is used these days in the midfield, where his experience and leadership can have the most impact. Maybe he’s lost a step speedwise, but he’s made up for it in his reading of the game. He was crucial in all of Omaha’s 2022 Open Cup games so far, especially against MLS’ Chicago Fire – on the road at historic Soldier Field in the Third Round in one of the biggest upsets of this 2022 edition.
And despite hitting bumps in the road, Doyle exudes a delight with the whole process of his career. “It’s not always easy, with clubs and leagues folding and having to move from city to city,” said the Omaha captain who’s worked quietly away in the lower leagues where there’s no such thing as a multi-year contract. “But I have a few more years in me to play the game the way I want to play it.”
