Newly crowned 2013 Volkswagen MLS MVP Mike Magee spoke briefly with local Chicago media via conference call Thursday. Below is a transcript of the conversation
On initial reaction to receiving the honor…
First and foremost, this still feels a little surreal. The year was great — all but the ending. I’m so thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization as the Chicago Fire and blessed to be home with my family. I’m pumped that people voted for me, and completely humbled by it. Like I said, it’s still very surreal.
On envisioning this moment/achievement beforehand…
I never envisioned receiving this award. I absolutely never had my sights set on it. Obviously, the last time I was thinking about getting an award like MVP was probably in U16 club soccer, so it’s been a long time. After 16, the first time I thought about it was probably when Taylor Twellman mentioned it during a broadcast of a game earlier this season.
On when winning the award became a realistic idea…
I think towards the end of the year, I thought I had a chance, but I was so focused on trying to get my team to the playoffs. Obviously, when we came up short, I thought I had no chance, and then once Camilo scored a hat trick in his game, I thought luck wasn’t on my side. So, this definitely came as a surprise.
On the award helping make a case for a call up to U.S. Men's National Team…
I don’t think it hurts it, but as far as helping it, probably not that much. I think Jurgen is a very smart man and obviously a good coach. I don’t think he’s going around checking stats or seeing what individual awards guys got. At least I hope not. Well, for my sake, I hope he is. [Laughs] But for the sake of our country, I hope he’s not.
On being grouped with other Chicago MVPs, such as Michael Jordan and Walter Payton…
When you put it that way, obviously, it’s amazing. Not by any means am I calling myself Michael Jordan or Walter Payton, but to be on a short list or any list at all with the likes of guys I grew up loving and pretending to be — to be on any list with them is a list I will certainly keep.
