Omar Gonzalez has etched his name in the Major League Soccer history books…

The 24-year-old Mexican American professional soccer star received the MVP trophy at the 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup after a dominating performance that included scoring the game’s equalizing goal.

In winning this year’s MVP honors, Gonzalez becomes the first defender ever to win the award.

Gonzalez’s well-placed header in the 61st minute tied the game and helped shift the momentum enough to propel his Los Angeles Galaxy team to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, giving the team it’s second consecutive MLS Cup title.

Gonzalez scored on a crossing pass from Juninho after the Galaxy were unable to convert a corner kick just seconds before.

But it was Gonzlez’s constant effort on defense that likely earned him the trophy, although it was his mistake that allowed the Dynamo to score its lone goal of the night. But Gonzalez atoned quickly, his goal setting off a barrage of scores for the Galaxy that would eventually clinch the MLS Cup for Los Angeles.

Gonzalez suffered a torn ACL less than a year ago, but was able to rehab and return in time to help the Galaxy clinch their MLS championship.

“I never thought for a second that when I made my comeback this season I’d be MVP in the final,” Gonzalez said after the match. “It was a very emotional moment, after my injury I never thought I’d experience something like this. After my operation last winter I really had my doubts [if would get back to my best]. I was seriously wondering what kind of level I would be able to play at again. I know I’m back to where I was before the injury, but the best is yet to come.”