CHICAGO (February 28, 2018) – After becoming the first player in program history to be selected in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft last month, former Loyola University Chicago men's soccer standout Elliot Collier (Hamilton, New Zealand/St. Paul's Collegiate) has signed a contract with the Chicago Fire, it was announced on Wednesday.
 
"The entire Loyola Men's Soccer program is extremely excited about Elliot officially joining the Chicago Fire and Major League Soccer," Loyola head men's soccer coach Neil Jones said.  "Elliot deserves so much credit, as do his parents, Richard and Sue, and brother, Matthew, for raising a fine young man.  The Fire have made a great signing in Elliot, and hopefully someone with New Zealand Football finally recognizes his unique, and top end quality."
 
Collier has appeared in all three of the team's preseason friendlies, highlighted by earning a starting assignment as part of a scoreless draw with Nashville SC back on February 21 in Bradenton, Fla.
 
A four-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection during his time in Rogers Park, Collier found the back of the net 17 times with the Maroon & Gold.  The Hamilton, New Zealand native earned First Team All-Valley honors in both his junior and senior years to go along with a First Team All-West Region selection by the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) in 2016.
 
Collier and the Fire open the 2018 regular season on March 10 at 5 p.m. when they play host to Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.