Aurelien Collin enjoys return to Sporting KC's starting lineup

After a three-match run without Aurelien Collin, Sporting KC brought their defender back against New York in a scoreless draw in New York.

Sporting KC had decided to go with Lawrence Olum instead of Collin to give the defender more match experience headed into the playoffs, manager Peter Vermes said.

"Team wise, it's good that we have a lot of guys who can compete for a lot of positions," Vermes told MLSsoccer.com on Monday. "That helps, not only in getting everybody ready but in making our team better."

Collin played well in the match and earned praise from Vermes regarding the defender's ability in one-on-one situations. Collin's return was marked by energy and attitude, which stemmed from similar training sessions leading up to the match.

The French defender is in his second season with Sporting KC, after playing three years for Vitoria de Setubal of Portugal.

Sporting KC has one regular season game remaining before the MLS playoffs, facing Philadelphia on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. CT.