The Angle Finally Under Contract, Collen Warner Looks to “Stamp His Authority” on Minnesota by Jeff Rueter on 23 January 2017

It’s hard to believe that the Expansion Draft was over a month ago already. With the offseason transactions coming hot and heavy lately, Minnesota United finalized the last acquisition from December’s draft. Now under contract, Collen Warner is ready to make an impact on the Loons.

When Collen Warner was selected by Minnesota United, it was seen as a savvy pickup. The midfielder was drafted 15th overall by Real Salt Lake in the 2010 SuperDraft, made 127 starts across his first seven seasons, and had partnered well with Michael Bradley in Toronto’s first playoff appearance in 2015. After a year in Houston (making 24 starts), the 28-year-old looked ready to slot into the Loons’ lineup from day one. Even MLS Soccer’s Matt Doyle saw the value.

I thought Warner was the best pick either team made in the exp draft.https://t.co/3LPJ82PdOR — Matthew Doyle (@MLSAnalyst) January 12, 2017

There was only one problem for Minnesota: Warner was out of contract following the 2016 season.

“I was looking at other opportunities,” Warner admitted on Friday. “I was looking at going overseas and trying to play there. It was a tough decision, with the age I�m at now and being out of contract for the first time. If there was a time, it was now. I lined up the two side-by-side to see which would be more fruitful.”

For a player in his prime, seeing the success that players like Perry Kitchen and Danny Williams have had in recent years must have been appealing to Warner. Both countrymen have been regular players for their European sides. From what FiftyFive.One has learned, offers had come from clubs in Germany and Scandinavia.

Making a decision

Minnesota drafted Warner on Dec. 13, but as of the winter holidays, Warner was still without contract. It wasn’t that the University of Portland alum wasn’t sold on playing in Minnesota.

“I�ve been through (expansion drafts) twice,” Warner mused, having been selected by Montreal ahead of the 2012 season. “I kind of had an idea going that I�d be here. Honestly, I was really excited to end up here. I was out of contract , so it was nice.�I was looking for a move, and it was an opportunity to move with a little control while I wasn�t a free agent. It was cool.”

Warner came to his decision just after New Year’s, having taken the end of 2016 to talk out his decision with his family. While two MLS teams had a chance at drafting Warner in December, Minnesota was by far his preference.

“I think Minnesota has more of a backbone in being a club before MLS,” Warner observed. “From what I could garner talking to people I know like Jeb Brovsky� It kind of fit more with who I am.

“We won�t even be the worst expansion ever. I think it�s just because it�s an easy comparison to Atlanta. People see names and they gravitate towards that. It�s an easy thing to do.” � Collen Warner

“As for Atlanta�� I�m not a big fan of the South, for starters. But Atlanta has a pretty ambitious idea. They�re taking a lot of risks. They�re doing a lot of things that I just thought weren�t what I was looking to be a part of. To try and establish myself here and bring the club up [from the NASL]. This club has an identity and a lot of positives to bring to the league.”

Lay of the land

Minnesota’s abbreviated off-season has been well-documented, on this site and others. Electing to finish the NASL season before working on its 2017 roster, MNUFC has worked since late November on building their roster. As it stands, Warner would figure to be a starter from day one.

As a key part of that roster, Warner�takes offense at the low expectations others have laid out for Minnesota. Particularly, he was quick to react to Grant Wahl’s October prediction that Minnesota could be the worst team in MLS history.

“That can�t be possible,” Warner affirmed. “Remember the Vancouver team? We won�t even be the worst expansion ever. I think it�s just because it�s an easy comparison to Atlanta. People see names and they gravitate towards that. It�s an easy thing to do.”

In order to beat the oddsmakers’ line, Minnesota will need to get their gameplan right. Adrian Heath is known for open play, giving his players two or three decisions to choose from whenever they have the ball. Having a capable defensive midfielder like Warner is crucial to unlocking Heath’s system’s true potential.

“Even though some say the club is behind on bringing in players, I think they�re finding the right guys for the club,” Warner analyzed. “For me, I can play [as] the [No.] 8 or [No.] 6. I�m pretty smart, tactical, and very physical. I�ll be the guy to give freedom to the attacking players to express themselves.

“It�s exciting. When you play expansive football like that, it requires the central players to comfortable in possession. You have to retain the ball so players can advance. Hopefully, I can be a staple in there and stamp my authority on the team.”

A new chapter

With league experience, a clear commitment after weighing European offers, and a role to fill, Warner is a crucial piece for United. His ability to anchor the midfield is vital for creative attackers like Miguel Ibarra, Johan Venegas, and Abu Danladi. All three players thrive with�offensive freedom; they only have this due to the work of players like Warner.

As things stand, this is one writer’s best guess at Minnesota United’s opening day lineup. This factors in reported rumors that have yet to be squashed.

Collen Warner is firmly committed to Minnesota’s cause. Aside from a goalkeeper, what area do you think the Loons need to address the most? Sound off in the comments section below!

Tags: Collen Warner, Expansion Draft, Minnesota United FC, MLS