SOCCER: CONCACAF Champions Cup - Galaxy's Gabriel Pec nets hat trick

Gabriel Pec scored early and late to lead the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 3-0 victory over Mt. Pleasant FA on Wednesday in Carson, California, during the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 series.

Pec opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Mauricio Cuevas beat a Mt. Pleasant defender to the end line and cut the ball back. Pec’s left-footed shot from 12 yards found the far post. He added his second goal in the 89th minute, following a layoff from Miki Yamane, and completed his hat trick in stoppage time, flicking in a pass from Joao Klauss. The Galaxy dominated the match, finishing with a 12-1 advantage in shots on target.

The two-leg series will conclude on March 19 in Kingston, Jamaica, with the winner set to face either San Diego FC or Toluca FC in the quarterfinals. Pec’s performance comes four days after receiving a red card in the Galaxy’s 4-1 MLS loss to the Colorado Rapids.

Inter Miami and Nashville SC Play to Scoreless Draw

Nashville SC held statistical dominance but could not find the net against visiting Inter Miami, with the match ending 0-0. The second leg will take place on March 18 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The series winner will advance to face either Philadelphia Union or Mexico’s Club America in the quarterfinals.

Nashville outshot Miami 15-8 and had a 5-1 advantage in shots on target, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made five key saves. Nashville’s Brian Schwake denied just one shot, a 57th-minute attempt by Lionel Messi, who remains at 899 career goals for club and country.

San Diego FC Holds Off Toluca FC 3-2 Despite Red Cards

San Diego FC overcame two red cards and two penalty kicks to defeat Toluca FC 3-2 in the first leg of their round-of-16 series. The matchup will conclude in Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico, on March 18.

San Diego went down to 10 players in the 12th minute after Marcus Ingvartsen received a red card for violent conduct in the penalty area. Jesus Gallardo converted the ensuing penalty kick for Toluca. Despite the early setback, David Vazquez scored twice (32nd and 46th minutes) and Anders Dreyer added a goal in the 53rd minute.

In the 85th minute, Manu Duah was sent off for a handball, and Helinho converted the penalty, cutting Toluca’s deficit. The visitors could not score again, allowing San Diego to hold on for the win.

-Field Level Media/Reuters