LOS ANGELES (October 26, 2026) – MLS announced today that LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 32 following his two-goal performance in the club’s 2-2 draw with Western Conference rival LAFC in the 28th edition of the El Tráfico derby at BMO Stadium on Apple TV's Sunday Night Soccer last night.
Paintsil opened the scoring on the night just past the half hour mark. In the 34th minute, Robert Taylor intercepted a pass and drove down the right wing before playing a low ball across the face of goal towards Paintsil at the back post, where he tapped home the finish to put the Galaxy up 1-0. Then in the 51st minute, Paintsil quieted with the LAFC home crowd with a second score, smashing a rebound into the back of the net to secure his brace and put the visitors in front 2-0. In addition, Paintsil added two key passes on 84.2% passing and drew three fouls.
The Ghanaian international has now registered seven goals and five assists in 24 MLS Regular Season appearances for the Galaxy this season (20 starts). Overall, Paintsil has scored a total of 38 goals and added 22 assists in all competitions since arriving to LA ahead of the 2024 campaign as a Designated Player.
Team of the Matchday (Matchday 32)
F: Sergi Solans (RSL), Petar Musa (DAL), Cédric Bakambu (SD)
M: Joseph Paintsil (LA), Dylan Chambost (CLB), Evander (CIN), Myrto Uzuni (ATX)
D: Osaze Urhoghide (DAL), Malte Amundsen (CLB), Dominik Marczuk (RSL)
GK: Matt Turner (NE)
Coach: L B.J. Callaghan (NSH)
Bench: Jonathan Bond (HOU), Adri Mehmeti (RBNY), Anton Salétros (CHI), Jonathan Shore (NYC), Eric Izoita (POR), Carles Gil (NE), Morgan Whittaker (COL), Ariel Lassiter (POR), Martín Ojeda (ORL)
