Joseph Paintsil
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil was instrumental with a goal and two assists as LA Galaxy narrowly defeated Portland Timbers 3-2 in an exhilarating Major League Soccer encounter on Sunday morning, marking match day 26 of the 2024 season.
Paintsil, 26, demonstrated his dynamic abilities throughout the game, adding to his impressive season record of eight goals and seven assists in 22 appearances in the MLS Western Conference.
The match ignited when Gabriel Pec broke the deadlock for LA Galaxy in the 38th minute, thanks to a precise assist from Paintsil.
The duo's effective partnership continued early in the second half, as Paintsil orchestrated the setup for former Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig's goal in the 48th minute, doubling their lead.
Portland Timbers quickly responded with Jonathan Rodriguez finding the back of the net in the 52nd minute, narrowing the gap.
Nevertheless, Paintsil swiftly restored LA Galaxy's two-goal advantage just six minutes later with his eighth goal of the campaign.
Despite Santiago Moreno pulling one back for Portland in the 73rd minute, LA Galaxy managed to preserve their lead, securing a crucial victory and three valuable points.
Watch the goal below:
Too smooth from Joseph Paintsil. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/e4Qe7aPeWa
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 21, 2024
