Gabriel Pec puts LA Galaxy on the brink of Western Conference

Gabriel Pec has propelled LA Galaxy to the brink of securing the top spot in the Western Conference, following a stellar performance in Matchday 34 that earned him the MLS Player of the Week honors.

Pec’s contributions in LA Galaxy’s 4-2 home victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where he scored a goal and provided two assists, extended the team’s lead to seven points at the top of the standings.

Since joining the Galaxy from Vasco da Gama last winter for a reported eight-figure transfer fee, Pec has made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer (MLS). With 13 goals and 12 assists this season, he has become only the fifth player in LA Galaxy’s history to reach at least 25 goal contributions in his debut season, the last being Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2018.

Additionally, Pec is the only first-year player in the MLS this season to achieve this milestone, while boasting the highest pass completion rate (89.7%) among players with 10 or more assists.

Gabriel Pec puts LA Galaxy on the brink of Western Conference

Pec's assist to Joseph Paintsil’s tenth goal of the season marked a historical achievement for LA Galaxy, making them the first team in MLS history to have four players; Dejan Joveljic, Pec, Riqui Puig, and Paintsil, score at least 10 goals each in a single season. This level of offensive depth underscores the team’s dominant form this year.

Pec’s recognition as Player of the Week also represents the first honor for an LA Galaxy player since Billy Sharp in Matchday 33 of the 2023 season. His award highlights the recent prominence of Brazilian talent in MLS, as it follows Evander’s win from Portland Timbers in the previous week, marking the first time in league history that Brazilian players have claimed the honor in consecutive matchdays.

Looking ahead, LA Galaxy will return to action on Saturday, October 2, when they visit Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. With Pec in top form and the team eyeing the Western Conference title, their upcoming matches will be crucial in maintaining their momentum as they push toward the playoffs.