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Gabriel Pec’s hat trick propels Galaxy past Mount Pleasant FA in Champions Cup Round of 16 opener

March 12, 2026

CARSON — The Galaxy accomplished a couple of goals on Wednesday night and Gabriel Pec scored a hat trick of them.

First, the club defeated visiting Mount Pleasant FA in the opening leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup.

Second, the Galaxy didn’t allow their Jamaican visitors to score a goal.

The Galaxy, themselves, scored one early and were almost forced to live with that until Pec added a pair of goals late (89th minute and 96th minute), securing a 3-0 win in front of 4,285 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The question facing the Galaxy in the second leg is if those two goals will be enough to survive the series and advance to the quarterfinals.

The second leg will be played next Thursday (March 19) in Jamaica.

The winner of this series will face the winner of the Toluca-San Diego FC series in the quarterfinals.

After Pec’s first goal (in the sixth minute) the Galaxy had a night of frustration on the attacking end. The Galaxy dominated possession, recorded nearly 30 shots (29), with 10 on target and had an expected goals (xG) of 2.63, but only had the one goal.

Harbor Miller appeared to give the Galaxy a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute, but video review negated the goal after it was determined that a handball offense had occurred during the build-up.

Four minutes later, Pec scored his second, assisted by Miki Yamane to give the Galaxy 2-0 a lead and secure a win. Pec completed his hat trick in the 96th minute to give the Galaxy a bit of breathing room heading into the second leg.

Mount Pleasant FA was significantly shorthanded with several members of their travelling playing roster and staff unable to make the trip. The missing members included seven players from Haiti. Haitians are on a travel list ban that President Donald Trump signed that went into effect this year.

CONCACAF said it was aware of the situation, but Tuesday placed the blame on the club: “Each club may register up to 35 players and is responsible for submitting visa applications within the timeframe required by the diplomatic missions of the countries to be visited. The club had ample time to complete the visa application process following the official draw.”

Mount Pleasant coach Theodore Whitmore said Tuesday that the game was a big opportunity, although he acknowledged he would prefer to have his full collection of players.

“You would like to have your team as a coach you could select from, but nonetheless, we have players who are eager to go out there and play. I want to put all the negative behind us and look forward,” he said.

The Galaxy will return to MLS play on Saturday with a home game against Sporting Kansas City.

Orange County Register

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Gabriel Pec’s hat trick propels Galaxy past Mount Pleasant FA in Champions Cup Round of 16 opener

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