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Two-time MLS Cup winner, former MVP Magee retires

Shaun Clark / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Two-time MLS Cup winner and 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee announced his retirement from soccer Wednesday, ending a 14-year career that included stints with the New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, and, most notably, the LA Galaxy.

The 32-year-old returned to the Galaxy for one final season in 2016, scoring six goals and contributing another four assists in 30 league appearances.

Prior to that, Magee played a key role in LA's 2011 and 2012 triumphs.

He was later traded to the hometown Fire in May 2013 - a move he sanctioned to be closer to his family roots.

He won the MLS MVP award as a member of the Fire, and earned a call-up to the U.S. national team's camp in the months before the 2014 World Cup, but a stomach problem and hip injury limited his participation and eventually ended his chances of going to Brazil.

He never made a senior appearance for the U.S.

Magee earned free-agent status in December 2015, and rejoined the Galaxy soon after.

"Now I'm back where I belong," he said, noting former LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena had contacted him as soon as MLS rules would allow it.

Magee left home when he was 15 years old to take part in the U.S. developmental program in Florida. Before he could return to Chicago, he was drafted fourth overall by the New York MetroStars (now the Red Bulls), where he played between 2003 and 2008.

He acquired legendary status during his next four years in California. Nicknamed "Mr. November" for his clutch efforts in the Galaxy's back-to-back title runs - including game-winning goals in the 2011 MLS conference semifinals and Western Conference Championship - Magee became a cult hero in Carson.

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