Collen Warner
- Years with club: 2017–2018
- Position: Central Midfielder / Defensive Midfielder
Collen Warner joined Minnesota United as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft in December 2016, a key acquisition ahead of the club’s inaugural MLS season. Warner was a seasoned MLS veteran, having played for Real Salt Lake, Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, and Houston Dynamo before coming to the Loons. Known as a box-to-box midfielder, he provided much-needed experience, defensive coverage, and a high work rate to the midfield in the club’s first two seasons in the league. He was a regular rotation player in 2017, but his playing time decreased in 2018 before his option was declined.
Key stats:
- MLS regular season appearances: 42 (25 in 2017, 17 in 2018)
- Goals: 1
- Acquisition: Selected 4th overall in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft.
- MLS Total: Played 13 seasons in MLS with six different clubs.
Memorable moments:
- First MNUFC goal: Warner scored his only goal for the club against the New England Revolution on March 25, 2017, an equalizer in the second half of a 5-2 loss.
- Expansion veteran: His selection in the Expansion Draft highlighted the club’s strategy of bringing in reliable, experienced MLS players to build a functional inaugural roster.
Where are they now?:
- After leaving Minnesota United, Warner played briefly for Danish side FC Helsingør in 2019.
- He returned to MLS in 2020, signing with his hometown club, the Colorado Rapids, where he played for three seasons.
- Warner officially retired from professional soccer at the end of the 2022 season.
- He immediately transitioned into coaching and is currently an Assistant Coach for Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS NEXT Pro), a role he was permanently appointed to in 2024 after serving as interim assistant coach in 2023.
