CARSON, Calif. – There’s no doubt that Mike Magee is in great form as of late, but will it translate into a call for the U.S. National Team?
Magee is tied with Philadelphia Union forward Jack McInerney for the MLS lead in goals scored with six goals in seven appearances this season. As he sits just one goal away from tying his career high for goals in a single season, which was set during his rookie season with the MetroStars in 2003, it’s not surprise that he’s feeling confident.
“It’s always good to score goals and it’s even better when the team is winning,” Magee said. “I’m obviously enjoying my soccer right now.”
But as Magee continues to score goals, calls for him to be included in the U.S. National Team will continue to persist. Magee has never been called into the senior national team, but he participated in the U.S. youth set up earlier in his career.
No conversations have gone on between Magee and U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann or any member of his staff, but the 28-year-old would welcome inclusion if called upon whether it is the 2013 Gold Cup or any other National Team match.
“I would love to be a part of the National Team. I’m obviously just trying to do all the cliché things and do business with the Galaxy knowing that if you play well here then you could get a call up, but if it doesn't then I’ll be okay,” he said. “Obviously, I've been around long enough to hear every which rumor and it’s just all it is, is chatter until I get the call, which would be great. If not, it is all good.”
Following LA’s victory over Real Salt Lake—where Magee bagged his sixth goal of the year—LA head coach Bruce Arena was asked by former U.S. National Team head coach And Time Warner Deportes analyst Steve Sampson about a potential Magee inclusion, but declined comment.
“Steve, you and I both know that a national team coach has a lot of pressure and a lot of critics. I think the national team has coach has to make those decisions," Arena said on the broadcast. "Right now, I’m going to relax and let the coach make all those kind of decisions because as we know, they’re never easy.”
As he looks to continue his form with LA, Magee is taking a similar approaching and leaving the decision to Klinsmann.
“I couldn't figure out why guys get called in and why guys don’t,” Magee said. “Obviously there’s good reasons and I wish I got paid that kind of money to be the coach and make those decisions because I’d play me every time, but obviously, I don’t. There’s a bunch of guys here who deserve a chance.”
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