LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi for Matchday 28 following his one goal and two assists in the Galaxy's 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers on Saturday, July 20. The win over Portland marked the second consecutive match that Paintsil has recorded a goal and two assits this past week having done so against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, July 17. Paintsil has recorded at least a goal and an assist in a single match in five games played during the 2024 campaign. In 10 matches played at Dignity Health Sports Park this season, Paintsil has totaled 11 goal contributions (5 goals, 6 assists).
Paintsil and his two fellow designated players (DPs), Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig, were all on the scoresheet against the Timbers with a goal each. ln 13 matches played in the starting lineup together dating back to March 23, Paintsil has notched four goals and eight assists It marked the second time this season that Paintsil, Pec and Puig have scored in the same match, with the first occurring in the 4-3 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on April 21. Paintsil, Pec and Puig are the only trio of teammates in MLS this season with at least eight goals scored and nine assists.
Puig's performance earned the Galaxy midfielder a spot on the Team of the Matchday bench. With a goal and an assist in the game against Portland, Puig has now tallied his eighth goal and 11th assist of the season. In the win over the Timbers, Puig also completed three dribbles, won six of 11 duels and won four possessions. When starting with, Paintsil and Pec since March 23, Puig has registered three goals and 11 assists. Both Puig and Paintsil were on the bench for the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 27, while Pec and Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney both made the team.
Team of the Matchday:
F: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Joseph Paintsil (LA), Lewis Morgan (RBNY)
M: Richie Laryea (TOR), Dániel Gazdag (PHI), Cole Bassett (COL), Iuri Tavares (CLT)
D: Jordi Alba (MIA), Stian Gregersen (ATL), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)
GK: Roman Bürki (STL)
Coach: Steve Cherundolo (LAFC)
Bench: Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Peyton Miller (NE), Joseph Rosales (MIN), Yannick Bright (MIA), Riqui Puig (LA), Andrés Gómez (RSL), Saba Lobjanidze (ATL), Fafà Picault (VAN), Willy Agada (SKC)
