The LA Galaxy secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Jamaican side Mount Pleasant FA in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 tie on March 11, 2026, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, scoring in the 6th, 89th, and 90+6th minutes to give the Galaxy a strong advantage heading into the return leg in Kingston, Jamaica.
The match started brightly for the hosts. Just six minutes in, Pec opened the scoring with a clinical finish, capitalizing on an early opportunity to put the Galaxy ahead 1-0. The goal settled any early nerves and set the tone for LA’s dominance in possession and attacking intent.
However, despite controlling much of the game and creating several chances, the Galaxy struggled to convert in the periods that followed. Mount Pleasant FA, competing in the continental competition as Jamaican Premier League representatives, defended resiliently and frustrated the MLS side for long stretches. The first half and much of the second remained goalless beyond that early strike, with the visitors holding firm and the Galaxy guilty of missing opportunities in front of goal. The game felt quiet at times, lacking the fireworks many expected from the home team.
The breakthrough came late. In the 89th minute, Pec struck againāreportedly off the underside of the crossbarāto double the lead to 2-0 and finally break Mount Pleasant’s resistance. The Brazilian wasn’t done there. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, he completed his hat-trick with a composed finish, assisted by teammate JoĆ£o Klauss after a team move involving Harbor Miller. The third goal sealed a 3-0 scoreline that reflected LA’s superiority more accurately than the score had suggested for most of the evening.
Pec’s performance marked the first hat-trick of his professional career and turned what could have been a frustrating night into a commanding result. His three goals provided a much-needed cushion for the Galaxy ahead of the second leg on March 19.
The win keeps the LA Galaxy’s hopes alive in the CONCACAF Champions Cup as they aim to advance deeper in the tournament. With a clean sheet and a three-goal aggregate lead, Gregg Vanney’s side will travel to Jamaica in a strong position, though they’ll know the job isn’t finished against a determined opponent.
For fans at Dignity Health Sports Park, the late explosion from Pec provided the highlight reel moments they craved, capping off an otherwise patient performance with flair and clinical finishing. The Galaxy now look to build on this momentum as the continental campaign continues.
