Joseph Paintsil was on target as LA Galaxy played out a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes in the California Clásico, with the Ghana international continuing his fine form after Major League Soccer resumed last week from its 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
The Black Stars winger gave the visitors a dream start in the 13th minute, timing his run to perfection before collecting a superb through pass from Marco Reus and calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper in goal for San Jose.
The strike was Paintsil’s fourth league goal of the season and his sixth direct goal contribution in the 2026 MLS campaign.
The fixture marked the resumption of the MLS season after the league paused for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament made history as the first World Cup to be staged across three nations and also featured an expanded 48-team format.
Despite conceding early, San Jose gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed long spells of possession. The Earthquakes dominated the opening half statistically but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval as the Galaxy defended resolutely to protect their slender advantage.
Paintsil’s Pace Does the Magic
Paintsil’s opener showcased the pace and composure that have made him one of LA Galaxy’s most dangerous attacking players since arriving in Major League Soccer. The Ghanaian accelerated onto Reus’ incisive pass before producing a composed finish that silenced the home supporters.
The goal continued a productive campaign for the former Genk winger, who has become an important attacking outlet for Greg Vanney’s side.
His growing understanding with former Borussia Dortmund star Reus has added another dimension to the Galaxy’s attack, with the German midfielder once again providing the decisive final pass.
The match also carried added significance as it was the 105th edition of the California Clásico, one of Major League Soccer’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.
Although the Galaxy entered the contest seeking to bounce back from consecutive defeats, they showed resilience against a San Jose side pushing to strengthen its position near the top of the Western Conference.
Earthquakes Fight Back for a Point
San Jose’s persistence finally paid off in the 63rd minute when Reid Roberts reacted quickest inside the penalty area to tap home after a free kick created chaos in the Galaxy box, bringing the hosts level.
The Earthquakes continued to press for a winner and appeared destined to complete the comeback when they were awarded a late penalty. However, former RB Leipzig and Chelsea forward Timo Werner was denied from the spot by Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, whose crucial save preserved a valuable point for the visitors.
The draw extended LA Galaxy’s difficult run since the league resumed, with the club still searching for its first victory after the World Cup break. Nevertheless, the point offered encouragement after back-to-back defeats and highlighted the team’s determination in one of the league’s marquee rivalry fixtures.
For San Jose, the result was enough to maintain third place in the Western Conference standings on 33 points, while LA Galaxy remained outside the playoff positions in 11th with 21 points.
The Galaxy will now turn their attention to next weekend’s home fixture against FC Dallas as they look to climb back into playoff contention, while the Earthquakes aim to consolidate their place among the conference’s leading teams.
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