Few knew Aurelien Collin when he joined Sporting KC in 2011. Few can forget him after his four-year career in Kansas City. The three-time MLS All-Star and two-time MLS Best XI center back will make his first visit to Children’s Mercy Park as a member of the opposition next Wednesday when the New York Red Bulls come to a town for a midweek clash.
Collin played 107 regular season matches for Sporting KC and 10 MLS Cup Playoff matches. He was an integral part of the squads that won the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the 2013 MLS Cup. The French defender was named 2013 MLS Cup MVP after scoring the game-tying goal in the championship match as well as the game-winning penalty kick in the shootout.
Collin scored 11 regular season goals during his Sporting KC career with another four during the playoffs including three during Sporting KC’s 2013 MLS Cup run. His impact was not only felt on the offensive side of the ball as the industrious defender was also part of one of the best defenses in MLS history. In 2012 and 2013, the Sporting KC backline conceded just 27 and 30 goals, respectively.
The always fashionable Collin also had a strong impact off the field regularly visiting patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital and being awarded the club’s 2013 Humanitarian of the Year award for his work in the community. Tickets are still available for Collin’s return to Children’s Mercy Park and can be purchased via SeatGeek or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL.
In honor of Collin’s return to KC, look back at some of his top moments as a member of the club, on and off the field.
2013 MLS Cup Final
2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals
Collin snaps Houston Dynamo's home unbeaten streak
2013 MLS All-Star Week Fashion Show
Every episode of Collin's Corner
Collin's appearance on The Benny Feilhaber Show (P.S. Sal Zizzo will make his return to CMP as well)
