KEY POINTS
- Forward Gabriel Pec scored three times to lead the Galaxy to a 3-0 shutout win.
- The victory provides Los Angeles with a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
- The Galaxy outshot their opponents 12-1 on target during the Round of 16 match.
The Los Angeles Galaxy took a major step toward the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night. Playing at home in Carson, California, the Galaxy secured a commanding 3-0 win over Mt. Pleasant FA. Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec provided all the scoring in a standout individual performance.
Pec opened the scoring very early in the first half to set the tone for the match. In the sixth minute, teammate Mauricio Cuevas beat a defender to the end line. Cuevas delivered a precise cutback pass to Pec in the center of the penalty area. Pec fired a clinical left-footed shot into the far post from 12 yards out.
Despite maintaining heavy pressure throughout the game, the Galaxy did not score again until the final minutes. The team dominated the statistical battle by allowing only one shot on target from the visitors. Mt. Pleasant struggled to maintain possession against the Galaxy’s high-pressing defensive strategy.
The second goal arrived in the 89th minute to give the hosts breathing room. Miki Yamane provided a clever layoff pass that found Pec in a familiar position. Pec mirrored his first goal by striking another left-footed shot from 12 yards into the net. This late surge effectively deflated the opposing defense.
Pec completed his hat trick during the final moments of second-half stoppage time. Forward Joao Klauss provided the assist with a well-timed pass into the box. Pec reacted quickly to flick the ball past the goalkeeper for his third goal of the night. The achievement came just days after Pec received a red card in domestic league play.
The 3-0 result gives the Galaxy a massive cushion for the return fixture in Jamaica. They will travel to Kingston for the second leg on March 19. The winner of this total-goal series will move on to face either San Diego FC or Toluca FC.
In other tournament action, Nashville SC and Inter Miami played to a scoreless draw. Nashville controlled much of the game but could not beat Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Lionel Messi had the only shot on target for Miami during the 90 minutes. That series will conclude in Fort Lauderdale next week.
San Diego FC managed to edge out Toluca FC with a 3-2 victory in a chaotic match. San Diego survived two red cards and two penalty kicks to secure the home win. David Vazquez scored twice to lead the expansion side to their first continental victory.
The Galaxy now shift their focus back to the MLS regular season before traveling abroad. Coach Greg Vanney expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive discipline during the shutout. They appear to be finding their rhythm as the 2026 international competition intensifies.
