Substite Elliot Collier (right) came on in the second half and helped the Fire earn a 2-1 win over the Tulsa Roughnecks (photo credit: Don MacGregor)
Elliot Collier, a 3rd round draft pick out of Loyola University, scored the winning goal on Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 Chicago Fire win against USL affiliates Tulsa Roughnecks.
Though he hails from Hamilton, New Zealand, Collier played collegiate soccer in Chicago for four years as well as playing in the Professional Developmental League for the Chicago Fire’s youth team.
“He gives us something we are looking for, an alternative in the game,” Coach Vejlko Paunovic said of Collier. “He’s fantastic in his commitment and work ethic. He has all the qualities we are looking for in our players. We are pleased with his performance this preseason, and today he changed the game.”
The fact that Collier is getting any time is a testament to his ability. He has to fight for a spot with Nemanja Nikolic and Jon Bakero – the MLS 2017 Golden Boot winner and 2017 Mac Hermann trophy winner for best college player, respectively.
Collier’s ability comes from a mixture of physical and technical traits tha are beneficial for a forward. At 6’4”, Collier possesses an imposing presence. Coming with that size, however, is a quick first-step and pace to create separation from defenders. Collier also isn’t afraid of dropping deeper to get the ball, and turn in traffic and drive at the defense.
His 78th minute goal showcased his pace and finishing. For that goal he intercepted a back pass intended for Tulsa’s goalkeeper. He broke away from the last defender and slotted under the keeper, giving the Fire a win to end its 2018 preseason campaign.
“I like his attitude, day-by-day he works really hard every day,” Nikolic said of Collier. “It was a good goal. I’m happy for him and I know it means a lot for him for confidence in the games forward.”
Given enough chances to learn from Nikolic and get quality game time, Collier has the traits that could help him blossom an MLS career.
“Niko is a goal-scoring machine,” Collier said. “I’m learning a lot from him, he’s helpful and gives me a bunch of tips.”
The Chicago Fire kick off the 2018 season officially on Saturday, March 10th at Toyota Park against Sporting Kansas City. With Nikolic, Bakero, and Collier all working hard to get time as a forward, there’s sure to be goals in the future for the Fire.
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