Elliot Collier (San Diego Loyal | USA)

Back to the bench as Chicago travel to DC United.

30 mins off the bench as Chicago go down 1-0 in Washington.
Same score when he came on.

Peruvian cult hero Edison Flores (famous for his big ears) with the goal for DC.

Fire 2nd bottom in the East (3 goals in 5 games).

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-may-13-2021#highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-may-13-2021

coochiee

30 mins off the bench as Chicago go down 1-0 in Washington.
Same score when he came on.

Peruvian cult hero Edison Flores (famous for his big ears) with the goal for DC.

Fire 2nd bottom in the East (3 goals in 5 games).

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-may-13-2021#highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-may-13-2021

The game was on Sky Sport 7 so I watched after he came on, he had a few nice touches but I was a little bit frustrated watching him to be honest. Chicago had a reasonable amount of ball but really didn’t threaten that much outside of one or two shots in the last 30. I’m not sure he is the guy to be a back-up striker to Chris Wood, he seems more natural as a wide player on the left and running at defenders and cutting either in or outside of them and didn’t get into the best positions when in a central position. 

He had two shots which could’ve been better, the first came to him as a deflection and he rushed it and hit it at the keeper, and other he didn’t time his jump well to get over a cross to the back post. For a guy who is 193cm he does not look as convincing in the air as he could, and he’s mentioned that about himself quite a lot to be fair, saying he doesn’t want to be a stereotypical New Zealand target man. But he’s 1cm shorter than Erling Haaland for example, another tall forward who’s not that good in the air, but his off the ball and ground finishing is exceptional, and that’s what Collier needs to improve, especially if he wants to keep his spot in the national team.

Better than Waine at the moment?

The Fire have been pretty weak the whole time Collier has been in Chicago, but a return of only 1 MLS goal (on debut) from 40 appearances (12 starts) - shows he's not a striker unfortunately.

Think a full strength AWs squad is already pretty well served with wingers. It's a proper back striker to Wood that's needed most. Waine greenhorn that he is, would have to be at the head of that queue now. Mata, Rogerson & Garbett all with an opportunity over the next few months, to say pick me.

But yeah fingers & toes crossed that Wood is fit come June 2022 (unlike 2017) - obviously by far the hardest guy to replace in the AWs, with huge drop off in quality.

martinb

Better than Waine at the moment?

Hard to judge as MLS is of course a much better league than the A League, but as a pure central striker (given Hay will play a 4-2-3-1) I reckon Waine might be better. Waine probably worse technically and with ball at feet, albeit he’s 6 years younger, but probably positions himself and finishes better. Collier almost reminds of Barbarouses, in that he’s best wide and running but can get lost when central.

MLS have just released their salaries. Collier is on US$101,375.00

Subbed on at 69 mins, as Chicago (13th in the East) beat Beckham's Inter Miami (8th East), 1-0. Fire's 1st win of the season.

Collier shoots over the bar at about 1.20min into the Video highlights. It's a long time since he scored in the MLS (March 2018).

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-inter-miami-cf-may-22-2021-x7480#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-inter-miami-cf-may-22-2021-x7480

2ndBest

MLS have just released their salaries. Collier is on US$101,375.00

Jeez, that is pretty decent money for a guy who's been in and about the Chicago set up for a wee while now but hasn't really set the MLS alight.

Remember seeing highlights, and watched in on him a few seasons ago when he was in the USL Championship at Memphis and thought he was too good for that level. Good speed, awareness, and a close touch for a big lad, as well as versatile across several positions up the top of the pitch too. But he hasn't been able to deliver as such at MLS level so far. Contract looks like it's up for him at seasons end. Will likely need a decent run of form and a few goals to his name if he's to get an extension stateside. 

Actually think he could do a fair job for the Nix considering his versatility too. But for now, that's neither here nor there.

Not in match day squad as Chicago (13th in the East) lose 0-1 to Montreal (3rd East)

MLS resumes after 2-3 week FIFA break. Collier on the bench as Chicago travel to last year's champions, Columbus.

Subbed on at 83 mins (score 2-0) in a 2-0 loss at Columbus.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-columbus-crew-vs-chicago-fire-fc-june-19-2021#highlights-columbus-crew-vs-chicago-fire-fc-june-19-2021

Unused sub as Chicago lose 0-1 at home, to previous bottom Eastern Conference side Cincinnati (now 12th). Chicago (now go last - 14th)

Collier unfortunately not getting many mins for a pretty ordinary Fire team. From afar you'd think at risk of being let go at season end.

On the bench as Chicago host Phili Union.

Token sub at 93 mins, as finishes 3-3 verus Phili Union (3rd Eastern Conference).
Chicago remain last in the East.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-philadelphia-union-june-26-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-philadelphia-union-june-26-2021

Another token sub appearance at 90 mins, as Chicago again score thrice, this time in a 3-0 win over Atlanta (10th in Eastern Conference).

Chicago go 12th in the East (3rd last).
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-atlanta-united-fc-july-03-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-atlanta-united-fc-july-03-2021

Would consider a move to the Nix? If he can't get any game time at a MLS struggler, he must be considering his options.

Master of the token appearance. 3rd game in a row subbed on post 90 mins. This time 91st min, in a 3-1 win over Nani's Orlando City (2nd in the East). Actually 2-1 when he came on.

Chicago up to 11th in the East.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-orlando-city-sc-july-07-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-orlando-city-sc-july-07-2021

Unused sub in a 5-1 hiding at Nashville (5th in the East).
Chicago down to 10 men from 14th min (after 2-0 by then).
Fire 12th.

Unused sub in a 2-2 draw against DC United (9th in the East).
Chicago 12th in the East.

On the bench as Chicago (12th in the East) host Toronto (13th).

Unused sub as Fire lose 1-2 to Toronto (up to 11th).
Chicago slip to 13th (2nd last).

Not in match day squad as Chicago (13th in the East) draw 1-1 at Phili Union (5th) in MLS.

Fire down to 10 men from 34th minute (up 1-0).

Back into match day squad on the bench as Chicago (13th in the East) host New York City (4th). 

Unused sub in a 0-0 draw with New York City (5th). Chicago up to 12th.
New York were down to 10 men from 73 mins.

Collier doesn't really appear to be going anywhere at the Fire, consistently a lower table MLS side in his time there. You'd think he'd likely be released at season end, and so back to the USL. Worth a look at for the Nix, if he'd consider leaving the states?

coochiee

Unused sub in a 0-0 draw with New York City (5th). Chicago up to 12th.
New York were down to 10 men from 73 mins.

Collier doesn't really appear to be going anywhere at the Fire, consistently a lower table MLS side in his time there. You'd think he'd likely be released at season end, and so back to the USL. Worth a look at for the Nix, if he'd consider leaving the states?

Might be a bit crowded up top to sign him for the Nix tbh, he’s been in the US for ages now, I presume he has a green card and would slot comfortably in at USL level, who knows, maybe he’ll get on the gravy train at the other Phoenix with Musa and Billingsley

Surprise start for Collier (only his 2nd of the season), and good day for Chicago who lead New York Red Bulls 2-0. 

Big Kiwi subbed off at 57 mins (Fire 2-0 up).

Finishes 2-1 Fire (11th Eastern Conference). NY RB 9th in the East.

Nice to see Collier involved in the leadup to the first goal (secondary assist), and then using his height to make a nuisance of himself prior to the 2nd goal. Hopefully gets a start next game. Sounds like coach made a few changes for this one after a 5 game winless streak.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls-august-08-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls-august-08-2021

Subbed off at 58 mins, as Chicago (11th in the East) beat last season's MLS champs Columbus Crew (8th) 1-0.

Score 0-0 when Collier came off. Nice to see him get consecutive starts.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-columbus-crew-august-15-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-columbus-crew-august-15-2021

After 2 starts back to the bench as Chicago (10th in the East) travel to Phil Neville coached Inter Miami (13th). 

Collier just never quite seems to grab his chance at MLS level. Wouldn't surprise to see him released at season end, esp as the Fire have been pretty average whole time he's been there.

Collier subbed on at 68 mins (score 2-2). Unfortunately Miami (12th) grab a 93rd min winner to prevail 3-2.

Chicago in the white stay 10th for now.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-inter-miami-cf-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-18-2021#highlights-inter-miami-cf-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-18-2021

Late 85th min sub (score 1-0) in a 1-0 loss at Orlando (2nd in the East).
Chicago 12th

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-orlando-city-sc-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-21-2021#highlights-orlando-city-sc-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-21-2021

Late 83rd min sub (score 1-0) in a 1-0 win at New York RB (12th in the East).
Chicago 10th
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-28-2021#highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-chicago-fire-fc-august-28-2021

Unused sub as Chicago (12th in the East) lose 2-0 at Sporting KC (2nd in the West).

86th min sub as Chicago (12th in the East) lose 3-0 at DC United (5th). Same score when he came on. Chicago 9 points off the playoff spots.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-september-15-2021#highlights-d-c-united-vs-chicago-fire-fc-september-15-2021

I think Collier will likely be playing in the USL in 2022, if he decides to stay Stateside. Has a Green Card from memory, so not classed as an overseas player. He may also consider his post football life (age 26 now) to be in the US, like so many other Kiwis who played there.

Subbed on in the 87th min in a 2-0 loss at Montréal (5th in the East).
Same score when Collier came on. Chicago 12th in the East.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-cf-montreal-vs-chicago-fire-fc-september-19-2021#highlights-cf-montreal-vs-chicago-fire-fc-september-19-2021

On the bench as Chicago (12th in the East) host top of the table New England Revolution.

Revolution lead the Eastern Conference by a whopping 15 points (W17 D5 L4).

Unused sub in a 2-3 loss to the Revolution (1st in the East). Chicago stay 12th.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-new-england-revolution-september-22-2021#highlights-chicago-fire-fc-vs-new-england-revolution-september-22-2021

Think Collier will be looking for a new club soon. AWs October games in Bahrain may offer a little shop window if he's picked, and he's open to taking his club career out of the USA.

Unused sub in a 0-0 draw with Nashville (2nd in the East). 
Chicago 12th, and 13 points off the playoff spots. Season looks over already.

Not a good sign for Collier if not even given a cameo with Fire chasing a goal.

You look at his big frame, and him being in a good standard league, and you think he would be the best suited to fill Wood's huge shoes at the moment. But it's just not happening for him at Chicago. Looks USL bound for 2022, if he's going to stay Stateside. Maybe that's his level. Had plenty of chances in Chicago.

Hay doesn't seem interested in USL level players (no Musa, Wynne, Mata or Adams in his AWs team), and of course Collier himself hasn't been picked. If he wants to stay in AWs picture he would likely need to try Europe.

On the bench as Chicago (12th in the East) host New York City (3rd).

Unused sub as Chicago (stay 12th in the East) beat New York City (4th) 2-0.