Joseph Paintsil delivered a stellar performance with a brace as LA Galaxy eased past Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 in their MLS Week 21 clash at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night.
The Ghanaian winger was electric throughout, combining speed, flair, and end product to delight the home crowd. He completed the full match, drew four fouls, and constantly unsettled the Vancouver backline.
LA Galaxy wasted no time asserting control, with Brazilian forward Matheus Nascimento opening the scoring just two minutes in. The hosts dictated the tempo from then on, enjoying 57% possession and outshooting the visitors 12 to 6.
Paintsil made it 2-0 on the hour mark after a well-timed through ball from German veteran Marco Reus. He then sealed the win in the 77th minute with a calmly taken penalty.
The Whitecaps’ frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when Jayden Nelson received a straight red card, capping off a difficult evening.
With this win, LA Galaxy strengthens their playoff push and shifts focus to a clash with DC United on July 13.
