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LA Galaxy goalkeeper Mike Magee announces his retirement

Prolific striker ends career with 70 goals, two league titles and a MLS MVP trophy

By Mike Gray
MLS Soccer - Los Angeles Galaxy v Columbus Crew Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images

It’s a sad day to be a Galaxy fan.

Mike Magee, a club legend and fan favorite who will go down in history as one of LA’s most clutch performers, has retired from professional soccer.

Thank you. Thank you to AYSO soccer and Team Elmhurst. Thank you Fox Valley Strikers. Thank you Chicago Sockers. I owe everything I am as a soccer player to David Richardson and Bret Hall. Those were the best days of my life. Thank you to U.S. Soccer and John Ellinger for taking me from my family at 15-years-old and making me a man. Thank you to the New York Metrostars/Red Bulls and Bob Bradley for believing in me. Thank you to all the fans in NY/NJ too. I sometimes regret celebrating my first goal back in New York, but I needed to let some people know they didn't get the best of me and I promise it wasn't directed at supporters. Thank you to the LA Galaxy. You have my heart, love and support forever. I'll spare you guys some time by leaving it at - I'll see you guys soon and often and hope you knew when it mattered the most you could count on me. Thank you to Frank Klopas and the Chicago Fire. Despite the fact you changed my position after my MVP season , I still love you Fire family. Thank you to Nike for being the best sponsor in the world. I am lucky to have been part of the Nike family for the past 14 years. I promised Gray Griffin the day he died I'd smile, laugh and love life enough for the both of us and I know he's enjoyed the ride as much as I have. I miss you brother. Thank you to my family for allowing me to chase my dreams. You've dedicated your lives to making mine better and I'm going to spend the rest of mine trying to return the favor. Thank you to every player I've ever played against for the battles. I'll miss all of you guys asking me if I ever shut up. Thank you to every player I've ever played with. I'll miss you guys and the banter more than anything. Instead of saying goodbye to soccer I want to say thank you. Thank you for the people I've met and the places I've been. You and I got through some tough times together and I’ll always be thankful for this game, the lessons it taught me and the love that it brought me. Thanks again. See you around. Mike

A photo posted by Mike Magee (@magee18) on

Magee, 32, ends his 14-year career in Major League Soccer as one of the most accomplished players in league history, 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.

“I have been fortunate to enjoy an incredible 14-year career in Major League Soccer,” said Magee. “It has been an honor to represent the New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire and the LA Galaxy and to be a part of a league that continues to grow so rapidly in this country. 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 a spend time with my family and friends.”

This one stings: Magee was my main man. I’ll miss ya, buddy.

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