BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- In Chris Rolfe and newly acquired forward Mike Magee, the Chicago Fire may have found the beginnings of a fruitful partnership up top in the team’s 2-0 U.S. Open Cup victory over the Charlotte Eagles at midweek.
Magee opened his Fire account early into his debut appearance Wednesday, heading home Gonzalo Segares’ cross at the back post to give the Fire a 1-0 lead.
READ: Magee a quick study in Fire Open Cup win
With the goal, the Chicagoland native became the ninth player in club history to score in his debut and first player to do so in an U.S. Open Cup game.
“The first one is usually the hardest,” said Magee. “It’s nice to contribute to the team no matter the competition.”
Magee’s contributions in the game went beyond just the goal as he worked well together Rolfe to set up his 58th minute icing goal and made constant runs to provide danger in the area.
“Mike is so smart,” Rolfe told Chicago-Fire.com Friday. “He makes great runs and communicates well. His touch is excellent and he’s a strong finisher. For me having a guy like that to play with is going to make me a lot better.
“He’s a great player and hopefully I make him better as well.”
“They did well last game but we have some good options [up front],” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “They’re both good players. We also have to understand the opponent we played but they’re both good players and I thought we approached it in the right way.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Chicago Fire 2, Charlotte Eagles 0
Up next for Magee is his home debut Sunday vs. fledgling D.C. United who had to go to penalties to dispatch USL-Pro’s Richmond Kickers on Tuesday.
United may sit bottom of the league but Magee believes they’re still plenty dangerous for a Fire side that needs to begin its move up the table.
“D.C. is a real test,” he said. “Obviously it was good to get a game in Charlotte under our belt heading in. We have to start taking points in the league and so D.C. is a big one.”
