Joseph Paintsil Scores Twice as Galaxy Blank Whitecaps 3-0 Amid Fan Protest
In a game marked as much by silence in the stands as action on the field, Joseph Paintsil scored twice to lead the LA Galaxy to a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Independence Day clash came with political tension, as several Galaxy supporter groups staged a walkout and remained silent in protest of the club’s refusal to release a statement regarding recent immigration raids in the region.
Silent Stands, Loud Statement
The Victoria Block supporters, including the Angel City Brigade and Galaxians, walked out in the 12th minute. Before their exit, they unfurled a striking Tifo that depicted armed U.S. service members over a map of the country with the words: “Fight ignorance, not immigrants.” On the opposite side of the stadium, the L.A. Riot Squad held a sign reading: “We like our whiskey neat and our land and people free,” and remained quiet for the entire match.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, the Galaxy delivered one of their best performances of the season.
Paintsil Ends Drought in Style
The Galaxy (2-13-6, 12 points), desperately in need of momentum, came out firing. Just two minutes into the match, Matheus Nascimento opened the scoring after capitalizing on a spilled save from Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. Edwin Cerrillo’s shot created the opportunity, and Nascimento slotted the rebound home for the early lead.
The second half belonged to Joseph Paintsil. Struggling to find form all season, Paintsil reignited his confidence in the 60th minute, latching onto a smooth buildup from Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus. Reus’ clever assist left Paintsil in space, and he buried a powerful shot past Takaoka to double the lead.
Later in the half, Paintsil stepped up again—this time from the penalty spot. After defender Maya Yoshida was fouled in the box, Paintsil coolly converted the penalty to seal the 3-0 victory.
Vancouver Reduced to 10
Adding to Vancouver’s woes, Jayden Nelson was shown a second yellow card and sent off for booting the ball into the stands after a whistle. That allowed the Galaxy to control the tempo and see out the match with ease.
What’s Next for the Galaxy?
The win launches a crucial three-game homestand for LA, with upcoming matches against D.C. United on July 12 and Austin FC on July 16. With playoff hopes still mathematically alive, Greg Vanney’s squad will look to build on this statement victory.
“I thought we played well for the vast majority of the game,” Vanney said. “We got off to a great start and the ball was moving quick.”
Whether the off-field protests prompt any formal club response remains to be seen. But on the pitch, Joseph Paintsil’s resurgence may be the spark the Galaxy need to turn around their season.
