Joseph Paintsil: Ghana star bags brace to inspire LA Galaxy’s emphatic win over Club Tijuana
Joseph Paintsil delivered a standout performance on Friday morning to power LA Galaxy to a commanding win over Club Tijuana in the Leagues Cup.
The Black Stars winger started and played the full 90 minutes as Galaxy stormed to a 5-2 triumph at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Paintsil was electric throughout the clash, netting twice and registering an assist to lead his side to victory in the tournament's opening round.
Source: Getty Images
Match reports: LA Galaxy 5-2 Club Tijuana
LA Galaxy kicked off their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign in style with a 5-2 win over Club Tijuana, thanks to a standout performance from Joseph Paintsil.
The hosts took an early lead in the 17th minute through Matheus Nascimento, but Gilberto Mora quickly equalized for Tijuana just four minutes later. Gabriel Pec restored LA Galaxy’s advantage before halftime with a well-taken goal in the 28th minute.
Tijuana fought back after the break, with Mora grabbing his second in the 59th minute to level the score at 2-2. However, it was Paintsil who took charge in the latter stages.
The Ghana international netted in the 65th minute to put Galaxy ahead once again, before Marcos Reus added a fourth goal.
Paintsil capped off his electric display with a stoppage-time strike to seal the emphatic 5-2 win.
Missed penalty denies hat-trick
Despite his heroics, Paintsil was denied a hat-trick after missing a penalty earlier in the match. Still, his impact was undeniable, having scored twice and assisted once in the thrilling encounter.
Since returning from injury, the former Genk star has been in top form, now tallying four goals and one assist in 17 Major League Soccer appearances, along with a goal in the Leagues Cup.
Man of the Match and post-game reaction
Paintsil’s dazzling performance earned him the Man of the Match award, with fans voting him the standout player of the night. Speaking after the match, the winger expressed his joy at helping his team win:
“It’s a great feeling. Missing a penalty is something that can affect a player but I’m really strong in situation like that. The most important thing is the victory. I thank God for the win and the two goals as well” he said.
What are LA Galaxy's upcoming fixtures?
Greg Vanney's men now focus on their next matches against DC United on the road on July 13. They play at home next against Austin FC four days later before traveling to Los Angeles FC on July 20th.
Joseph Paintsil's side LA Galaxy hit the road again on July 26 for a fixture against 8th-placed Houston Dynamo.
Inside Joseph Paintsil's lavish home
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the expensive residence of the Ghanaian international, who is fast improving his career with LA Galaxy.
According to Pinterest, Joseph Paintsil inked a four-year contract with LA Galaxy in February 2024, securing a base salary of $3,136,000 for the 2025 season. This significant pay supports his upscale lifestyle.
Source: YEN.com.gh
