INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced on Wednesday it had signed forward Elliot Collier for the 2024 USL Championship, marking the return of the New Zealander to the Circle City after competing for the side on loan from Chicago Fire FC in 2018. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Collier joins Indy having spent the past campaign with San Diego Loyal SC, where he recorded two goals and three assists in the 2023 season. The 6-foot-4 striker also brings top-flight experience having made 54 appearances for the Fire over three seasons.

During his time with the Fire, Indy acquired Collier on loan in August, 2018. He recorded one goal in 11 appearances for the side as it advanced to the USL Championship Playoffs in its first season in the league. Since then, the 28-year-old has also competed in the Championship on loan for Memphis 901 FC in 2019 and helped San Antonio FC claim the league title in 2022 with four goals in 23 appearances.

Overall, Collier has recorded 13 goals and four assists in 83 appearances in the Championship, logging 4,503 minutes across the regular season and playoffs.

Analysis

Elliot Collier has never truly lit up the scoreboard in the USL Championship – his single-season high for goals came on loan at Memphis 901 FC in 2019, where he notched six tallies and the first hat trick in 901 FC’s history – but his value as a No. 9 comes more from his ability to hold up play and allow his sides to build attacking moves.

At 6-foot-4, the New Zealand native’s frame has made him a handful for opposing center backs. As he arrives back at Indy after his prior loan stint, he’ll likely be a secondary option behind Sebastian Guenzatti, but there could be the potential for the duo to play together with Guenzatti playing off as a second striker to allow Collier’s attributes to shine.