Joseph Paintsil scores as LA Galaxy thrash Sporting KC

Ghanaian attacker Joseph Paintsil made a remarkable return from injury, scoring as Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Sporting Kansas City 4-2 in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday.

Paintsil, who had been sidelined for the last five games due to a muscle injury, was declared fit by LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney before the match.

"Joe has been fully involved this entire week, and he participated in partial training sessions last week. He's ready to join the team and be ready to go," Vanney stated.

Entering the game as a substitute, Paintsil scored his fifth goal of the season, playing a significant role in Galaxy's 4-2 victory in the exciting encounter.

The 26-year-old has been a pivotal player for the team this season, accumulating five goals and four assists in 13 games.

His injury also resulted in his absence from the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic. Now fully fit, Paintsil is poised to rejoin the national team for the games in September.

Paintsil signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in February 2024 on a three-year contract and has rapidly become a key player for the team.