MLS: Joseph Paintsil scores first goal of the season, assists in LA Galaxy draw

Joseph Paintsil scored his first goal as well and also provided his first assist of the 2026 season during LA Galaxy’s Major League Soccer (MLS) draw against FC Dallas on Saturday.

Joseph Paintsil opens his 2026 account! 😤

LA equalizes it just before half. pic.twitter.com/B3nh6TqHZn

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 19, 2026

The 28-year-old Ghanaian, who enjoyed 73 minutes of action at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, broke into the starting line up having struggled with injury for a couple of weeks to begin the season.

The Galaxy suffered an early setback in the first half when Petar Musa’s first half brace gave FCD a strong 2-0 lead.

The hosts, however, failed to hang on to the early lead with Lucas Sanabria pulling a goal back in the 43rd minute through Paintsil’s assist before the former Genk man leveled just on the stroke of half time.

Lucas Sanabria pulls one back for LA just before half! 👊 pic.twitter.com/CxnIwYdCHy

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 19, 2026

Paintsil was making his first start since recovering from injury, having missed seven matches after being sidelined in early March.

The victory ensured that the Galaxy extended their scoring streak to seventeen consecutive league matches, with Paintsil’s contribution being key on Saturday.

Post-match walk off with Joseph Paintsil 💫#lagalaxy x @Herbalife pic.twitter.com/8u14oWYt7J

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) April 19, 2026

The result leaves LA Galaxy with nine points from eight matches, while Dallas move to thirteen points from six games.