Photo Credit: LA Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy were confirmed as the champions of the USA's Major League Soccer for the 2024 season on Saturday evening. and Joseph Paintsil continued his sublime form. The Ghana national team winger opened the scoring the in a 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Paintsil made a quick impact by getting behind the Red Bulls defense to receive a pass from Gastón Brugman and finish under goalkeeper Carlos Coronel in the 9th minute. The Galaxy doubled their lead only a few minutes later through Serbian striker Dejan Joveljić and it appeared the hosts were set for an easy win.
Video: Joseph Paintsil scores the first goal in MLS Cup 2024
The New York Red Bulls did prevent further damage and made a strong attempt at a comeback, clawing a goal back in the 28th minute through defender Sean Nealis. However the Galaxy held off the rally and secured their first MLS Cup since 2014 to qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Los Angeles Galaxy previously finished second place in the Western Conference during the regular season to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs where they defeated Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders to reach Saturday's MLS Cup final. Paintsil, an arrival from Belgian Pro League side Genk, was immense for the Galaxy with 15 goals and 10 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. Paintsil's role with the Ghana national team has declined with only one nine-minute appearance in a 1-0 home defeat to Angola during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Paintsil joined former Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig who missed the final due to a torn ACL in the semifinal victory over Seattle Sounders. Former Borussia Dortmund superstar Marco Reus joined the team midway through the season and came off the bench for the final fifteen minutes of the match.
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