Why this second-year forward needed the game he had on Friday for the LA Galaxy

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·5 July 2025

Why this second-year forward needed the game he had on Friday for the LA Galaxy

In January of 2024, the general manager for the LA Galaxy, Will Kuntz, added two particular newcomers to the roster. One of them won an award (2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year), while the other reminded fans on Friday night that he is that good, too.

In the July 4th game where the Los Angeles Galaxy hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Ghana-born player was a major part of the victory. In the 3-0 win on Friday, Joseph Paintsil scored twice.

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"It's really important because I really needed this kind of momentum. I really needed these kind of goals. I've been missing some chances that I need to score. But that's football, and sometimes you need to raise your head and focus on the next game and do what you have to do. I feel sometimes a little bit disappointed in myself because of chances I need to score and these kind of things. "Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy forward

This year has been rather difficult for both Paintsil and Gabriel Pec. The two shining members of the LA Galaxy, in particular, have battled injuries. Paintsil sat out the first two months of the season because of it.

Joseph Paintsil & the LA Galaxy needed an outing from their star like this

Entering Friday night's contest against the Whitecap, Pantsil's only goal of the season came in the 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake. That shows the level of importance the 27-year-old has with the LA Galaxy and their offense.

Last season, Paintsil scored ten goals and recorded ten assists. His teammate, Pec, did the same thing. However, it was the older of the two who lit up the scoreboard on Independence Day.

"I think Joe [Paintsil] having scored the first goal was feeling positive about his night, and stepped up and buried it. It was good for Joe. Again, he's getting to a lot of good positions where he should be scoring goals and tonight he took advantage of those moments. "Greg Vanney, head coach of the LA Galaxy

Prior to Friday night's game, the LA Galaxy had only scored three goals in a contest one other time. That game ended in a draw since the Galaxy could not prevent Joao Klauss from recording a hat trick.

In their last five games, the Los Angeles Galaxy have finally won more than they have lost. The defending MLS Cup champs are 2-2-1 since going winless in their first 16 games this season.

With three goals and an assist on the season, the LA Galaxy will need Paintsil and their other stars to shine if they want to win consecutive games for the first time all year. Good thing for the LA Galaxy, Paintsil is under contract through the 2027 MLS season.

Next up for the six-time MLS Cup champions is D.C. United. These two teams played in the first-ever MLS Cup Finals back in 1996. Kickoff for this one is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at Dignity Health Sports Park at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and 10:30 p.m. (ET).