Chicago Fire announce new contract for reigning MLS MVP Mike Magee

Just hours after his current salary hit the MLS Players Union web site, the Chicago Fire announced a new deal for 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but his base salary looks set to be $325,000 according to the aforementioned MLSPU web site. The Fire recently offloaded Chris Rolfe and his salary to DC United for allocation money.

After scoring 21 goals in 31 matches last year, Magee denied that a prolonged absence from Chicago Fire training camp was a contractual holdout. Instead, he said head coach Frank Yallop had allowed him to miss the start of camp for “personal reasons.”

The 29-year-old exploded last season after scoring six goals in 10 matches to start the season with Los Angeles. He was then shipped to Chicago in exchange for Robbie Rogers in May, and responded by notching another 15 goals in 21 matches en route to his All-League honor.

“As a kid, I would have paid to play for the Chicago Fire, so as you can imagine, I’m beyond happy to have signed a new deal,” said Magee. “My only goal with this team is to win an MLS Cup.”

Reports last year said Magee was making under $200,000, so the reported raise would be a sizable one.

“Mike is a proven winner,” said Chicago Fire head coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop. “He has shown throughout his time in Chicago and in MLS that he can score goals and consistently perform at the highest level. Mike has earned this new contract and we’re happy that we were able to reach a new deal.”

Magee earned his first USMNT call-up in early January.

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