It appears that the Chicago Fire's offensive savior has finally arrived. Yes, the Fire, the team who signed two attackers to Designated Player contracts in the offseason, are about to see the answer to their attacking woes make his season debut. No, it is not any of the players signed last offseason. Rather, it is Mike Magee, the 2013 MLS MVP who has been out since August 16th of 2014 after having hip surgery.
In spite of a huge retooling job throughout the winter that saw them sign three new Designated Players, midfielder Shaun Maloney, winger David Accam and striker Kennedy Igboananike in addition to striker Guly Do Prado, the Fire have struggled to score this term. They have created all sorts of scoring opportunities but have lacked the clinical finisher required to put teams to the sword. McGee is that finisher.
The striker recognizes the problem, and is eager to try and be the solution. “Scoring goals is fun. Having said that, we’ve created a ton of chances, which is half the battle. We’ve all gone through slumps,” Magee said. “Unfortunately, the team’s in a bit of a slump scoring right now, but it’s going to be fine. We’re creating chances and I’m definitely hoping I can help with that."
Magee, who was in the form of his life in 2013 and went on to win the MVP that year, scored just seven goals in 17 matches last year before a hip injury ended his season prematurely. Yet, as he told reporters on Wednesday, he can “see the finish line" in his recovery.
Although McGee is not expected to make his season debut on Friday night against the Columbus Crew, he has targeted the May 30th tussle with the Montreal Impact as his return date. Although it has been a long and arduous road back, McGee is thrilled by the prospect of getting back out on the pitch.
“I think I’ve had enough obstacles on my own, with rehabbing my injuries, that worrying about stuff on the field hasn’t been that big a problem,” Magee said. “Probably the last maybe two weeks since I’ve been training with contact and doing stuff on the field then all of a sudden it becomes a bit frustrating. But for the most part it’s been an eight-month battle with one day I feel like I can climb a mountain, and the next day I feel like I don’t want to get out of bed,” Magee added. “It’s all been a good process but the finish line’s here and I’m just excited.”
In spite of a number of goals scored recently by the Fire, they have not had one scored by a member of the front line in nine matches. Yes, you read that correctly. Nine matches. The former LA Galaxy striker has proven himself one of the most reliable strikers in MLS throughout his career. Anyone connected with the Chicago Fire will be hoping he is again that player once he makes his return.