In a sensational start to the 2025 Leagues Cup, Joseph Paintsil put on a show-stopping performance, scoring twice and registering an assist as LA Galaxy cruised to a 5-2 victory over Club Tijuana at the Dignity Health Sports Park.

Despite missing an early penalty, the Ghanaian winger bounced back with unwavering determination to lead the MLS champions to a resounding win. His electric display earned him the Man of the Match award, voted by fans for his pivotal role in Galaxy’s dominant second-half showing.

> “It’s a great feeling. Missing a penalty can shake your confidence, but I’m mentally strong in situations like that. What matters most is the win. I thank God for the two goals and the result,” Paintsil said after the game.

The night kicked off with Brazilian forward Matheus Nascimento opening the scoring for LA Galaxy in the 17th minute. Club Tijuana quickly responded through Gilberto Mora just four minutes later. Galaxy regained the lead thanks to Gabriel Pec, sending them into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half saw another equalizer from Mora, who notched his brace in the 59th minute. But from then on, it was the Joseph Paintsil show. The former KRC Genk star netted in the 65th minute to put Galaxy ahead once again, before setting up veteran forward Marco Reus for the fourth goal.

In the dying moments of the game, Paintsil put the icing on the cake with a composed finish in stoppage time—his second of the night—sealing a comprehensive win for LA Galaxy and opening their Leagues Cup campaign in style.