Paintsil’s Hat Trick Powers LA Galaxy Past Sporting Kansas City
Joseph Paintsil Getting One in Behind the Net. (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
Setting the Stage
Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, the LA Galaxy returned home with confidence and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. In front of 17,903 fans, the Galaxy stormed past Sporting Kansas City with a 4–1 victory, a result that tightened their grip on playoff positioning and further showcased their attacking firepower.
Joseph Paintsil Looking Sharp Early Stages of the Game. (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
First Half: Paintsil Takes Over
The Galaxy wasted no time imposing themselves. Just four minutes in, Joseph Paintsil latched onto a cross from Mauricio Cuevas and bent a composed finish into the corner for 1–0. The early strike electrified the home crowd and immediately put Sporting on the back foot.
Paintsil wasn’t done. In the 25th minute, the Ghanaian forward struck again, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box to double the advantage. At that point, the Galaxy looked firmly in control.
Sporting briefly responded through a familiar face. Former Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić — now wearing Sporting blue — pulled one back in the 28th minute, finishing a sharp move that involved Memo Rodríguez and Mason Toye. The goal offered Sporting a lifeline and reminded the Galaxy defense they couldn’t switch off.
But Paintsil had other plans. Right before halftime, he completed a first-half hat trick — the first of his MLS career — finishing off another Cuevas delivery after good buildup play from Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy walked into the break ahead 3–1, and Sporting looked shell-shocked.
Diego Fagundez #7 (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
Second Half: Fagundez Seals It
Sporting tried to regroup after the interval, pressing higher and committing numbers forward, but the Galaxy were ruthless on the counter. In the 60th minute, Diego Fagundez pounced on a cross from Pec, with Paintsil also involved in the sequence, to extend the lead to 4–1.
From there, the Galaxy managed the match with maturity. They kept possession, slowed the tempo, and frustrated Kansas City. Matters got worse for the visitors in the 83rd minute when Shapi Suleymanov was sent off for a dangerous challenge, reducing Sporting to ten men and effectively ending any chance of a comeback.
Dejan Jovelic #9 (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
Standout Performances
Joseph Paintsil was the undeniable star, becoming only the third Galaxy player in history to record a first-half hat trick. Beyond his three goals, he added an assist and was a constant threat on the wings.
Mauricio Cuevas quietly had one of his best matches of the season, collecting two assists and repeatedly finding space to deliver dangerous service.
Diego Fagundez’s goal was not just insurance but also another reminder of his longevity in MLS — his 78th career regular-season goal.
For Sporting Kansas City, Joveljić’s strike against his former club was the lone bright spot on a night when their defense struggled to cope with the Galaxy’s speed and creativity.
Julian Aude #3 Battles for Ball Against Davis #17 (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
What It Means
The Galaxy’s win was more than just three points — it was a statement. With the playoffs looming, Greg Vanney’s side looks sharper in attack and increasingly difficult to beat at home. The chemistry between Paintsil, Pec, and Fagundez is growing into a reliable attacking trio.
Sporting, meanwhile, are left searching for answers. The red card summed up a frustrating night, and the dropped points hurt their postseason hopes.
Gabriel Pec Taking a Shot at Goal. (Photo Credit: La Galaxy)
Looking Ahead
LA Galaxy: Next up is a high-profile clash in the 2025 Campeones Cup, as they host Toluca of Liga MX on October 1.
Sporting Kansas City: They travel to face Minnesota United, needing a turnaround to stay in the playoff hunt.