Paintsil, who joined LA Galaxy in February, has been a standout player throughout the season, reaching double figures in goals during the regular season. His contributions have been pivotal in guiding the club back to playoff contention.
The match began explosively, with Gabriel Pec opening the scoring for the hosts in the very first minute, courtesy of a sublime pass from Riqui Puig. Minnesota responded swiftly, equalizing five minutes later through Kelvin Yeboah, whose powerful left-footed strike found the back of the net.
Dejan Joveljic restored Galaxy’s lead in the 16th minute, heading in a precise free-kick delivery from Marco Reus. Paintsil extended the lead in the 37th minute, expertly converting a pinpoint cross from Miki Yamane. However, Minnesota stayed in the contest as Yeboah scored his second goal from the penalty spot just before halftime.
The second half was dominated by LA Galaxy. Pec added his second goal of the match early in the half but missed the chance for a hat-trick after failing to convert a penalty in the 78th minute.
Joseph Paintsil struck again in the 86th minute, curling a precise shot past the goalkeeper after receiving a pass from John Nelson. Joveljic rounded off the scoring with Galaxy’s sixth goal in the dying moments.
With this emphatic victory, LA Galaxy advance to face the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final, bolstered by Paintsil’s brilliance and the team’s dominant form.
