CARSON, CA (January 4, 2016) – LA Galaxy forward Mike Magee has announced his retirement from professional soccer. He spent his entire 14-year career (save for one loan game in USL) in Major League Soccer.
“I am extremely thankful to everyone that has supported, inspired and guided me on and off the field throughout my time as a professional. I look forward to the next step in this journey as I spend time with my family and friends,” the forward said.
Mike Magee Retires From Professional Soccer After 14 Year Career
The Galaxy fan favorite recorded 70 goals and 38 assists in 316 matches. The fabled Mr. November won MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012 with the Galaxy. He was named league MVP in 2013, splitting the season between the Galaxy and Chicago Fire.
Magee made his professional debut in 2003 with the New York Metro Stars (now the New York Red Bulls) after graduating from U.S. Soccer’s Bradenton Academy. He spent six seasons with the club that drafted him before being traded to the LA Galaxy in 2009.
The Chicago native went on to have a successful five year sting with the Galaxy, becoming a key role player and veteran presence in the locker room. He was a glue player in the regular season, but became a fan favorite as he developed a knack for scoring crucial goals in the playoffs. His clutch role as a secondary scoring threat earned him the nickname Mr. November as the MLS Cup playoffs take place in November. Magee played a big role in helping the Galaxy earn two Supporter’s Shields (2010, 2011) and MLS Cups (2011, 2012) while he was there.
Half way through the 2013 season, the Galaxy had an opportunity to acquire Robbie Rogers, who had recently retired from soccer. The Galaxy traded Magee to the Chicago Fire to acquire his rights. Magee had been playing mostly a forward role with Robbie Keane during the season. He went on to win MLS MVP that season, scoring 21 goals in 32 league games.
Magee suffered an injury to his labrum in September of 2014 and never truly recovered. He wasn’t the same player for the Fire and could never stay in the lineup for very long. Magee returned to the Galaxy as a free agent in January of 2016.
Magee will be missed as a fan favorite from the Galaxy, but his departure from the club and the sport aren’t too much of a surprise. He was inconsistent throughout his last season and had clearly lost a step or two. His departure will free up cap space for the Galaxy and give more playing time to younger players.
It would be great for Magee to stay in the sport in some capacity. He’s smart and articulate enough to work in media. He was never a coach-on-the-field per say, but the Galaxy or Fire would probably give him an opportunity as an assistant coach.
And if nothing else, we’ll always have his brief but hilarious acting career.
