On Thursday, LA Galaxy traded MLS Cup Final MVP Gastón Brugman to Nashville SC, just 12 days after the Uruguayan midfielder played a pivotal role in securing the club’s record sixth league title. In exchange, the Galaxy acquired midfielder Sean Davis from Nashville, with the latter agreeing to cover part of Davis’ salary for the upcoming year.
Brugman was named MLS Cup MVP for his outstanding performance in the final, where he filled in for the injured Riqui Puig, helping the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on December 7. He controlled the game from midfield and assisted on the Galaxy’s first goal with a brilliant long pass to Joseph Paintsil.
Despite his heroics in the title match, Brugman had seen his role diminished earlier in the season under coach Greg Vanney. The 32-year-old started the season in midfield but had primarily been used as a substitute since midseason. Brugman recorded no goals and five assists in his third season with the Galaxy, tallying six goals and 10 assists in 71 career appearances, often battling injuries.
Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz explained that the trade was part of the team’s need to make difficult decisions to maintain a championship-caliber roster. “Gastón is a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and an even better person,” Kuntz said. “He made countless contributions to the Galaxy on the field and in the locker room, none more important than his 2024 MLS Cup MVP performance.”
Davis, who has five goals and 27 assists in 263 career MLS appearances with the Red Bulls and Nashville, had one assist in 25 matches last season. Nashville will receive $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Galaxy if Davis meets certain performance benchmarks.
