Elliot Collier re-signs with Chicago Fire FC

The Chicago Fire announced today that the club has re-signed forward Elliot Collier to a new deal.

The New Zealander is under contract with the Fire for the 2020 season, with club options for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He’s been a Fire player in the past, but Collier has technically been on trial with the team this preseason, and he’s used that opportunity to make a big impression on Fire Head Coach Raphael Wicky.

“Elliot has fully earned this new contract,” Wicky said in a statement released by the club. “He has impressed our staff with his desire to come in and work hard and he has continuously shown improvement after every training session.”

At the moment, Collier would occupy one of the Fire’s roster spots designated for international players. But, a source tells Hot Time in Old Town Collier is very close to receiving his Green Card, which would mean that spot could be used on another player. Currently, four of the Fire’s eight international spots are occupied (Raheem Edwards, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Alvaro Medran, Miguel Angel Navarro).

Collier was originally selected by the Fire in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. In two seasons with Chicago, he made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice. He also had loan spells at USL Championship sides Indy Eleven and Memphis 901 FC.

Last season, he was a mainstay in Memphis 901 FC’s lineup, scoring seven goals in 29 appearances—including Memphis’ first hat trick in club history.