Joseph Paintsil
LAG
Right Winger
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
Feb 1, 1998 (28)
Right
5'7"
154 lb
Scores brace in derby draw
Paintsil scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Los Angeles Football Club.
Analysis: Paintsil scored twice from three shots (two on target) across 73 minutes in Sunday's 2-2 draw at LAFC, marking his return to the starting lineup with an impressive attacking performance. He opened the scoring in the 34th minute by converting Robert Taylor's low cross at the back post before doubling the Galaxy's advantage in the 51st minute, reacting quickest to the rebound from Erik Thommy's saved effort. Paintsil now has seven MLS goals this season after scoring his sixth and seventh in the derby, although his brace proved insufficient as LAFC recovered from a two-goal deficit.
Scores off bench in friendly
Paintsil (thigh) played 15 minutes off the bench and scored a goal in Sunday's 2-1 friendly defeat against Cruz Azul, according to the club.
Analysis: Paintsil had been in the return to play stage of his recovery from the thigh injury suffered against the Revolution on Sept. 6, an issue that kept him out of the last four matches. His goal in this appearance confirms he is back to match action, positioning him to be in contention for the Galaxy's next match against St. Louis City on Sunday.
Working back from injury
Paintsil (thigh) is in the "return to play" stage, according to manager Greg Vanney per Galaxy beat writer Alex Ruiz.
Analysis: Paintsil hasn't played for the Galaxy since sustaining the injury against the Revolution on Sept. 6, and he's missed the last three games as a result of the injury. Vanney said Paintsil will be questionable to face Colorado, but a final call on his status will be made closer to Saturday's 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Questionable with thigh injury
Paintsil is questionable for the time being due to a thigh injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Paintsil is a new addition to the Galaxy's report this matchday with a thigh concern, and his questionable status is one of the more impactful on the entire Wednesday report, given his role as one of LA's primary attacking threats and a consistent fantasy producer. Thigh issues in questionable territory always carry the risk of flipping to out on gameday. If he were to miss out, this would force a change, with Robert Taylor as a potential replacement on the right wing.
Assists in draw
Paintsil assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Paintsil recorded an assist in 64 minutes during Saturday's draw with Montreal. He has been in good form recently, tallying two goals and an assist over his last five matches. That run brings him to five goals and three assists in 18 appearances during the 2026 season, with 17 of those coming as starts.
Claims all three points
Paintsil scored a goal while taking four shots (all on goal), crossing once inaccurately and making three tackles (winning one) during Wednesday's 1-0 win over San Jose.
Analysis: Paintsil found the back of the net in the 79th minute scoring the lone goal of the match while leading the Galaxy in shots and tackles. The goal was the first since July for the attacker as he's combined for eight shots, three chances created and 10 crosses over his last three starts.
Leads attack in draw
Paintsil registered three shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw against FC Dallas.
Analysis: Paintsil registered three shots (two on target), four corners, five crosses (one accurate) and one interception across Saturday's 0-0 draw with FC Dallas, operating as LA Galaxy's primary wide creative threat and generating the most attacking volume of any outfield player on the pitch throughout the match. The Ghanaian winger has now accumulated four goals, two assists and 15 chances created across 15 MLS appearances this season, making him the Galaxy's most dangerous attacking outlet, and his ability to produce crosses, corners and shots from wide right gives his side their most reliable creative presence in a campaign where results have been difficult to find.
One goal in draw
Paintsil scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 97th minute.
Analysis: Paintsil scored his side's lone goal in Saturday's match in the 1-1 draw vs San Jose. He appears to have regained his form since returning from injury in mid-April, starting each of the last eight MLS matches. During that span, he has scored three goals on 20 shots, including 10 on target, while also creating five chances.
Takes two shots in loss
Paintsil had two off-target shots and created two chances during Wednesday's 3-1 loss against St. Louis City.
Analysis: Paintsil was one of his team's few players who presented some threat up front but it was far from enough to avoid a lopsided loss for a struggling LA Galaxy side. The attacker had a slow start of campaign, but is having some nice performances as of late, with two goals, three assists and some decent peripheral numbers over the last 10 appearances.
Scores opener in draw
Paintsil was subbed off due to injury in the 79th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Houston Dynamo. He scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) before exiting the match.
Analysis: Paintsil scored the opener in the 28th minute with his third goal in the season. The forward took at least two shots in seven of his 11 appearances (10 starts). He also received his first yellow card, though.
Scores opener in draw
Paintsil scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Analysis: Paintsil scored the opener just after halftime with his second goal in the campaign. The forward matched his season-high to lead the Galaxy in shots during the draw. That was his sixth start in seven overall appearances.
Assists in Wednesday's loss
Paintsil assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Paintsill set up Gabriel Pec's strike in the 86th minute Wednesday, a goal which cut the deficit to 2-1 late in the match. He's now recorded three goal contributions in two matches since returning from a month-long hamstring injury. He added one off-target shot and one inaccurate cross in his 28 minutes off the bench.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare