The Newark Star Ledger's Frank Giase says the untold story of the New York Red Bulls' 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes was Mike Magee's first goal for 21 months. "It feels longer, it feels a lot longer," the long-time New York striker said after scoring the game-winning goal from the penalty spot on Sunday. In fact, due to a series of injuries, Magee's career has been in stop-start mode for a few seasons now. He played just seven times in 2007 due to a persistent knee problem and 24 times the past two seasons.
"With Juan Pablo being out, it was a pretty good opportunity for me to step up and take [the penalty kick]," Magee said. "Luckily, the team counted on me ... and I put it where I needed to." It was his 19th career goal and first since July 2006. Magee rushed over to the Red Bulls' trainer after he scored. "I had to go thank (trainer) Rick Guter for putting in all that time in training and rehabbing me," he said. "I was just lost. I was just happy I scored."
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio was happy for him, too. "I always knew what Mike brings to the table," Osorio said. "He has that final pass, he can keep good possession and he has an eye for the goal. We just have to manage how we bring him back to full game fitness because he hasn't been playing football for the last three years." Jozy Altidore, who drew the foul in the penalty box and scored the Red Bulls second, agreed. "Mike deserves it ... I think you're going to see a lot more from him," he said.
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