Joseph Paintsil shines as LA Galaxy storm into Western Conference Final

Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil delivered a dazzling performance to lead LA Galaxy into the 2024 Western Conference final of Major League Soccer, scoring twice in a commanding 6-2 victory over Minnesota United at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.

Paintsil, who joined LA Galaxy in February, has been instrumental in their success this season, reaching double figures in goals during the regular season and continuing his form into the playoffs.

The match began explosively, with Gabriel Pec scoring for LA Galaxy in the opening minute, courtesy of a brilliant Riqui Puig assist.

Minnesota responded quickly through Kelvin Yeboah’s thunderous strike in the 6th minute.

LA regained the lead in the 17th minute when Dejan Joveljic nodded in a Marco Reus free-kick, before Paintsil added his first of the evening in the 37th minute, converting a precise cross from Miki Yamane.

Yeboah equalized again for Minnesota with a penalty just before halftime, but the second half belonged to LA Galaxy.

Pec scored his second, despite missing a penalty later, and Paintsil struck a beautiful curled effort in the 86th minute after latching onto John Nelson's pass.

Joveljic capped the night with the team's sixth goal.

With this victory, LA Galaxy advances to face Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final, as they aim to add a sixth MLS Cup to their storied history.