LOS ANGELES -- LA Galaxy legend Mike Magee was enshrined in the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame this weekend in commemoration of his remarkable career.
One of the most accomplished players in the league's history, the Chicago native enjoyed 14-year career in Major League Soccer, earning 316 appearances, 70 goals, 38 assists, two MLS Cups (2011, 2012), two MLS Supporters’ Shield trophies (2010, 2011), MLS MVP (2013) and MLS Best XI (2013) honors while representing the New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire and LA Galaxy.
Magee won plenty more titles as a member of the Galaxy, but his year with the Fire was his personal best as he tallied 21 goals en route to being named MLS MVP and an MLS Best XI selection.
Speaking with the Chicago Fire's official website, Magee shed light on his trade from the Galaxy to his hometown team in 2013 and the conversations he had with then-manager Bruce Arena about the switch.
“[Former Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas] said to Bruce Arena and Chris Klein, “Why don’t you go ask him? Ask him what he wants to do.” Bruce called me in and said, ‘To be clear, we don’t want to trade you. But we’ve kind of heard from someone that you might be open to it, or might even want to. What are your thoughts?’ And teary-eyed, I said to Bruce, “Bruce, playing for the Galaxy has been the greatest thing that’s ever happened for me, but playing for Chicago is literally my childhood dream. Playing in front of my family and playing for the Fire.’ And he said, ‘Mike, if that’s what you want, it’s done.’ And literally in ten seconds it was agreed, and I’m forever grateful.”
During that season, Magee's close friend and fellow Galaxy icon Robbie Keane kept in close contact with the Irish legend even offering a hearty "your welcome" to helping improve his game.
“I knew exactly what he was talking about, because I didn’t score that many goals from far out — watching everything he did just resonated with me. He’s not the fastest guy, but he was switched on, and he loved to score goals and he loved to compete. And I’m no Robbie Keane, but I’ve got similar attributes in those regards, and I took a ton from his game…As soon as I added it to my game — and it would have been nice to add that ten years sooner — but it’s going to leave a smile on my face for a long time. You know, getting MVP and winning some championships.”
