Gabriel Pec Runs Riot as Galaxy Stun Seattle and Climb Into Western Conference Playoff Spots

SEATTLE — Lumen Field has long been one of the most intimidating venues in Major League Soccer.

Seattle Sounders, backed by one of the league’s stingiest defenses and riding a nine-game unbeaten streak, have made a habit of punishing visitors here.

On Saturday night, the LA Galaxy simply refused to play along.

In a commanding 2-0 victory, the Galaxy handed Seattle just their second defeat of the 2026 season — and their first home shutout loss.

At the center of the upset was Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec, who delivered a standout performance, contributing a goal and an assist in what is quickly becoming a breakout campaign.

Pec Takes Center Stage

The opening goal arrived in the 21st minute.

Marco Reus, enjoying one of his finest spells since joining MLS, slipped an inch-perfect through ball behind the Seattle defense.

Pec stayed calm, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished neatly to give the visitors a deserved lead.

For the second goal, Pec turned provider.

Collecting the ball in midfield, he drove forward with purpose, reaching the byline before unselfishly cutting it back for fellow Brazilian Matheus Nascimento to tap home from close range.

With another goal and assist, Pec now sits on five goals and four assists this season.

His performance against Seattle’s dangerous left-back Nouhou — a matchup in which he has historically struggled — stood out as particularly significant.

“We all know that he has had a hard time against Nouhou over the years,” Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said afterward.

“I felt like tonight he got the best of them. I thought it was the best performance he has had against him.”

A Much-Needed Resurgence

The victory continues a promising mini-revival for the Galaxy.

They have now won three of their last five matches and climbed into ninth place in the Western Conference.

For a team that dramatically missed the playoffs last season despite entering the year as defending MLS Cup champions, results like this against top opposition carry extra weight.

“I don’t know if I could say I envisioned our points to go the way they did this week,” Vanney added.

“But I think going on the road and winning two out of three is very, very solid.”

Seattle Left to Reflect

For the Sounders, it was an unusually blunt and frustrating evening.

Despite their reputation for defensive solidity, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unusually toothless in the final third.

The result leaves them with plenty to ponder as they head into the final stretch before the World Cup break.

Gabriel Pec, meanwhile, continues to announce himself as one of the most dangerous young attackers in MLS.

On a night when the Galaxy needed a hero on the road in one of the league’s toughest environments, the Brazilian delivered.

And with playoff positioning beginning to take shape, moments like this could prove decisive.