The 23-year-old Brazilian was arguably the best signing in MLS this season and was rewarded for a brilliant first season.
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Pec named Newcomer of the YearHad 30 goal contributions this seasonBeat Suarez and Orellano for the honorGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
Gabriel Pec was named Major League Soccer's Newcomer of the Year, the league announced Monday. It's a well-earned award for the 23-year-old Brazilian who quickly became of the league's top players with 16 goals and 14 assists in his inaugural campaign for the LA Galaxy.
Pec earned the award after securing 37.53 percent of the average vote (which combines media vote, player vote and club vote). Inter Miami's Luis Suarez came in second with 27.63 percent of vote while Luca Orellano from FC Cincinnati came in third with 12.53 percent of the vote.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Pec was the LA Galaxy's record transfer at a reported fee of $10 million plus $1.5 million in incentives. He more than delivered for LA this season. His became the youngest player in club history to record 30 goal contributions and the fourth-youngest in league history to match that feat. He joined an elite group of players in LA's storied history to record the stat, which includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2018 and 2019), Robbie Keane (2014), and Cobi Jones (1998).
Here are the voting results:
PlayerMedia VotePlayer VoteClub VoteAverage VoteGabriel Pec (LAG)49.60%33.95%29.03%37.53%Luis Suarez (MIA)32.40%24.69%25.81%27.63%Luca Orellano (CIN)4.80%16.67%16.13%12.53%Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Pec is the first LA Galaxy player to earn the honor since Ibrahimovic in 2018 and the first Brazilian to win since Luciano Emilio earned the first-ever award in 2007. The Galaxy are the fourth club to have multiple Newcomer of the Year award recipients.
WHAT NEXT FOR LA GALAXY?
LA Galaxy will now face Minnesota United FC in the Western Conference semifinals (schedule TBD).