Steven Gerrard scores a goal against New England’s Bobby Shuttleworth to cap off the Galaxy’s 4-2 win on Sunday. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova // Daily Breeze/Press-Telegram

Steven Gerrard committed a costly defensive error that led to the Galaxy’s season-ending playoff loss to the Sounders at CenturyLink Field last season. Several months later, the 36-year-old midfielder will return to Seattle in truly fine form.

Gerrard is third in MLS with seven assists in 12 MLS games played heading into Saturday’s noon game. He is coming off his first multi-assist game of his short Galaxy career and has assists in back-to-back games.

“I don’t want to settle for that,” Gerrard said. “I want to keep pushing and keep trying to add to my numbers. Certainly in this position, I know I can create chances. I’ve done it all my career.”

The Galaxy will play their Western Conference rivals three times this month, twice in MLS road games and once at StubHub Center for a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal. While the series is also heated as the two teams consistently battle for top prizes, L.A. has nearly always come out on top.

“When they came into the league, I think that they called us out. They thought they’d challenge us, and it didn’t work out well for them,” forward Mike Magee said. “They’re still trying to be what the Galaxy is. They’re doing a great job. They have great fans and a great team, but I’d say, to be honest with you, they’re a little jealous.”

Seattle had a dreadful start to the season. Typically in the hunt for a top playoff spot, the Sounders are stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference with 17 points. Four of the team’s Western Conference-leading losses have come at home.