With two goals and an electrifying performance, Gabriel Pec ensured the LA Galaxy’s spot in the Western Conference Final game for the first time since 2014.
The Brazilian forward stole the spotlight on Sunday night, leading the Galaxy to an overwhelming 6-2 victory over Minnesota United FC in front of 26,192 fans at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Gabriel Pec’s Stellar Playoff Form
Just one minute into the game, Pec demonstrated why he’s one of the most dangerous players on the team, scoring with a brilliant left-footed strike after a spectacular pass from Riqui Puig. He found the net again in the second half, outpacing the defense and slotting the ball into the goalkeeper’s corner.
This brings Pec’s playoff tally to five total goal contributions (three goals and two assists) in just three matches.
Dribbling through 'em like cones 😵 pic.twitter.com/gGrEJGtJmJ
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) November 25, 2024
At home, Pec has been incredibly dominant. Across 18 matches at Dignity Health Sports Park this season (including playoffs), he has directly participated in 24 goals (13 goals and 11 assists), solidifying his status as one of the league’s most decisive players.
A Historic Night for the Galaxy
Pec’s performance was part of a record-breaking night for the LA Galaxy. The six-goal haul tied the MLS playoff record for most goals in a single game. Moreover, Pec, Joseph Paintsil, and Dejan Joveljić scored twice, making the Galaxy the first team in MLS history to have three players score two goals in a postseason match.
This victory also marked the Galaxy’s third consecutive playoff win, a stretch in which they’ve scored an incredible 15 goals and conceded only three — a new MLS record for the first three games of a playoff run.
Pec Anchors Galaxy’s “Magic Quartet”
Pec has emerged as the centerpiece of the Galaxy’s powerful offensive unit, including Puig, Paintsil, and Joveljić. Across all competitions in 2024, the Brazilian has tallied 38 goal contributions (21 goals and 17 assists) in 39 matches. His consistency and ability to step up in crucial moments have been vital to the Galaxy’s success.
Up Next: Seattle Sounders FC
With the win, the LA Galaxy advances to face the Seattle Sounders FC, who recently eliminated LAFC, in the Western Conference Final. The match will occur on Saturday, November 30, at 8 p.m. (Brasília time), again at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Pec and his teammates will look to maintain their home dominance and qualify for the MLS Cup Final.
Source: lagalaxy.com/playoffs
