CARSON, Calif. -- Among all the high-profile players in MLS' list of top 25 highest selling jerseys, there was one name that came as something of a surprise: LA Galaxy midfielder Mike Magee, who came in at 23rd in the rankings.
The list, which was released on Tuesday morning consists of the data of all jersey sales from March 10 to September 10, 2012 on MLSGear.com, MLSGearCanada.ca and MLS club websites. Included in the list were three of Magee's Galaxy teammates, David Beckham (number 1) Landon Donovan (number 3) and Robbie Keane (number 8).
Even though the honor led to jokes from his teammates and coaches about his families' involvement in the sales, Magee was pleasantly surprised with the nod.
"Oh yeah? 23rd? My mom was on there," Magee said with a smile on Tuesday. "I didn't know that, that's pretty cool. I'll take that."
Over the past year, the Galaxy midfielder's profile has grown from role player on the MLS Cup champions to a cult hero among Galaxy supporters. Some of Magee's cache with the supporters has stemmed from his ability to score clutch goals for the Galaxy, but most of it comes from his surprise appearance at goalkeeper during LA's 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes in 2011.
"First of all, that was pretty cool, playing goalie and it was a unique experience that the fans can connect with," Magee said. "It's something that we've all gotten a good laugh out of, but I think that I haven't gotten too caught up in it. I think my family enjoys it a lot more and enjoyed it last year, obviously, it's cooled off now, but it was an amazing experience."
Although Magee was pleased with the jersey honor, some of his teammates believe that he should strive even higher in 2013.
"I'm actually a little disappointed," Galaxy backup goalkeeper Brian Perk joked. "One of the best men in MLS, I expect him to be top 10. In my book, he's top 10 so those numbers are a little disappointing to me. It's absolutely devastating."
