December 5, 2013 the day that the MLS announces the MVP of the year. This years list of finalists include: Mike Magee (Chicago Fire), Robbie Keane (Los Angeles Galaxy), Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact), Diego Valeri (Portland Timber), Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls) and Camilo (Vancouver Whitecaps). Their is one word to describe that list of names; wow. However one name sticks out the most to me, Mike Magee.
Mike Magee was drafted fourth overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by the New York/New Jersey Metrostars, he made his professional debut and became the youngest player in New York history at the time at 18 years,222 days on April 12, 2003 vs. Columbus in the season opener.Magee also became the youngest player to score a winning goal in New York history at the time at18 years, 236 days. Magee led the team with most games played and was second for most goals scored with seven goals and two assists. During the next three years with the MetroStars he would account for fifteen goals and would accumulate eleven assists. In 2006 the Austrian company Red Bull, bought the MetroStars and named the team New York Red Bulls. The change in name would stop Magee from doing his thing, he would score three goals that year however he only had one assist. His success with New York would turn out to be impressive nonetheless, over his five years with them he would score twenty-three goals and rack up twelve assists before being traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2009 for a 2nd round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
Mike Magee would make a name for himself with the Los Angeles Galaxy, his first two seasons with LA, were 'forgetable' he would only score three goals and tally seven assists. Come 2011 Magee and the Galaxy were an explosive team, led by Landon Donvon who had twelve goals and Mike Magee with four. Magee would have his best year by becoming the only player to score in the regular season, the postseason, the U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League. He also finished the year as the leading scorer in the playoffs. Magee and the Galaxy would replicate the 2011 season and go on to win it all again in 2012.
Come March of 2013, the MLS season was ready for a fresh start; so was Mike Magee. Magee started the year with the Galaxy, but would only play ten games before being traded to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the right of first refusal to Robbie Rogers on May 25, 2013. That transaction between the two clubs, would turn out to be the best thing for Magee who was now playing in his hometown. There seemed to be a mathmatical formula that would come in to play for Magee, new club + fresh start = MLS Golden Boot finalist. He would go on to play his best soccer of his carerr with the Fire, scoring fifteen goals and accounting for four assists. With less then 24 hours until commissioner Don Garber reviels the 2013 MLS MVP winner, Mike Magee , Robbie Keane, Marco Di Vaio , Diego Valeri , Tim Cahill and Camilo wait to see if its their name that climbs to the top of the MLS world as most valuable player.
