Ghanaian forward Joseph Paintsil had a major influence on the Los Angeles Galaxy’s victory over the Colorado Rapids, scoring in the first half to help them secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoff semifinals on Friday night.
Gabriel Pec scored the opening goal only eight minutes into the game. Showing great dexterity, he skillfully redirected a clearance by Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen into the net, propelling the Galaxy to an early advantage.
Responding swiftly, the Rapids evened the score in the 19th minute through Oliver Larraz’s unassisted goal, his first in the postseason.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy regained their advantage just before halftime. Paintsil scored his first playoff goal in the third minute of stoppage time after receiving a pass from Maya Yoshida, giving LA a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
Riqui Puig, the midfielder who had already amazed fans with two goals in the Galaxy’s last 5-0 win, completed the victory by scoring two more goals in stoppage time, finding the net in both the first and third minutes of added time.
Paintsil has scored 11 goals and seven assists in 31 matches during the 2024 MLS season.