COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Unusually rainy weather and emerald fields at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park have given Kevin Doyle a welcoming akin to his native Ireland. But for Doyle, who is expected to make his first appearance for the Colorado Rapids on Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps (9 pm ET; MLS LIVE in US, TSN1 in Canada), the hope is that the striker can make the team feel more “at home,” where they are still looking for their first win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in 2015.
“There’s chances being created. They’re hitting the post and the crossbar,” Doyle said of the Rapids’ offensive struggles through the first 10 games of the season. “Over the course of the season, that changes, things begin to go your way.”
With 136 shots taken, the Rapids certainly haven’t struggled when it comes to creating chances. With just nine goals scored, a lack of finishing has been an Achilles heel for the team; an area of deficiency the Rapids hope to address with the addition of Doyle, who finally linked up with the Rapids this week following his March 20 Designated Player signing and the expiration of his contract with English second-division side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“It’s all about adding another piece that has a great pedigree, [Doyle] is a great guy in the locker room and can score goals,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “What he brings is an element of sophistication to the game and an understanding of the space, what to occupy and how to create for his teammates. Not only finishing but creating opportunities for his teammates, I think this is what he’ll bring to our team.”
More specifically, the Irish international is expected to improve the Rapids’ aerial attack.
In 2014, Colorado were middle of the pack in virtually every heading statistic: goals (seven), headed shots (60) and headed shots on target (22). In 2015 they're on pace for virtually identical numbers, with two goals on 20 shots, eight of which have been on target. Those numbers once again place them solidly in the middle ranks of the league.
Despite a relatively average, six-foot frame, Doyle has flashed a world-class ability in the air throughout his career.
His first English Premier League goal was a header for Reading. In 2007, he later went on to lead all English leagues in headers scored.
“I’m not particularly tall, I just have a reasonably good leap,” Doyle said. “I’m quite good in the air, I always have been. It’s just another thing that helps.
“It’s hard to talk about your own attributes. I don’t have a stronger foot. I’ve scored goals with both. I’m reasonably quick, reasonably strong. I work hard, but that’s what everyone should do anyway. I just try to be as good as I can be.”
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From a tactical perspective, Doyle also adds to the variety of choices Mastroeni now has at his disposal. In a club and international career spanning more than a decade, the 31-year-old has played in multiple positions and formations.
“Kevin has played any of those front four positions, so there’s flexibility with that,” Mastroeni said. “When he’s not scoring goals, he’s a guy that can contribute to the game and bring whatever the game needs. I feel very comfortable having all of these options available.”
Doyle is ready to contribute any way he can.
“I really enjoy any of the positions up top,” added Doyle. “Formations change week to week, so I could be playing a different role in different games.”
This week, the focus has been on getting Doyle acclimated and match fit following his long trek across the pond.
“It’s just about getting the jet lag out and getting used to the altitude,” said Doyle. “When I woke up the next day after flying in I had to catch my breath, so that was something new. It should be an advantage because it boosts you when you’re playing in other cities. It should help me more than hinder me in the long term.”
Added Mastroeni: “His fitness levels are great so it’s all about getting acclimated. We’re doing whatever we can to make him available for selection [against Vancouver].”
