Football: Kiwi scores in MLS starting debut in man of the match performance

Elliot Collier scored on his starting debut. Photo / Twitter

Elliot Collier may have missed out on being named in the latest All Whites squad, but the striker isn't far away from selection.

Playing in his first ever start for his Major League Soccer team, Chicago Fire, the 23-year-old scored the equaliser in the 59th minute.

The Hamilton-bred striker was starting in the absence of Bastian Schweinsteiger and scored his teams only goal in the 2-1 loss to fellow Kiwi, Michael Boxall's Minnesota United.

Collier was first on the scene to react after team-mate Nemanja Nikolic's initial attempt at goal was blocked by Minnesota goalie Matt Lampson.

"I saw Niko with an opportunity, keeper rebounds and instincts took over and I scored," Collier said.

"It's great to start and it's great to score a goal but it's sad that it wasn't a winning goal. Unfortunately we lost today so we've just got to get back to work.

"We'll take a couple of days to get the mind right but ultimately you just get back to practice and work hard."

Although they didn't claim victory over Minnesota, Collier was rewarded with a man of the match award for his efforts in the game.

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