Joseph Paintsil strikes as LA Galaxy beat San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 in MLS

Joseph Paintsil scored the only goal as LA Galaxy defeated San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 in MLS on Thursday. The Ghana international settled a closely contested game with his finish in the 79th minute, giving his side all three points.

Paintsil started the match and remained on the field for 83 minutes. His decisive contribution came after a goalless first half in which both teams created opportunities but failed to break through.

The match stayed tight after the interval, with San Jose managing to keep LA Galaxy from finding a way through for long periods. Paintsil’s goal changed the contest late on and gave the hosts a narrow advantage to protect.

San Jose Earthquakes responded by moving forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages. LA Galaxy held firm, defending their lead through the final minutes to secure the win.

The result came in week 20 of the Major League Soccer campaign. Paintsil has now made 17 MLS appearances this season, with five goals and two assists to his name.

For LA Galaxy, the Ghana winger’s latest goal proved enough in a match decided by a single moment. San Jose were unable to turn their late pressure into an equaliser, leaving Paintsil’s 79th-minute strike as the difference between the teams.