LOS ANGELES (Saturday, July 20, 2024) – Taking part in the third of three matches within the span of seven days, the LA Galaxy earned a 3-2 victory over the Portland Timbers earlier than 23,588 followers at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park on Saturday evening. Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec every recorded a objective, because the Galaxy remained unbeaten at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park this season.
Galaxy Cookin’ At Residence
In 12 matches performed at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park throughout the 2024 marketing campaign, the LA Galaxy maintain an unbeaten report of 9-0-3 (30 GF, 17 GA). Notably, the Galaxy have gained seven consecutive matches performed (7-0-0) at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park relationship again to Might 25, outscoring their opponents 19-9. In 12 matches performed at DHSP throughout the 2024 marketing campaign, Pec has tallied eight objectives and eight assists. Paintsil has totaled 11 objective contributions (5 objectives, 6 assists) in 10 matches performed at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park this season, whereas Puig has 5 objectives and 6 assists in 10 matches performed on the venue in 2024.
Killa P’s Performing
In 13 matches performed within the beginning lineup collectively relationship again to March 23, Pec has recorded seven objectives and 4 assists, Paintsil has notched 4 objectives and eight assists and Puig has registered three objectives and 11 assists. It marked the second time this season that Paintsil, Pec and Puig have scored in the identical match, with the primary occurring within the 4-3 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on April 21. Along with his tenth objective of the season scored within the win over Portland, Pec grew to become the fourth participant in group historical past to supply at the least 10 objectives and 10 assists in his first season with the membership (Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 2018, Romain Alessandrini – 2017, Landon Donovan – 2005). Notably, Paintsil, Pec and Puig are the one trio of teammates in MLS this season with at the least eight objectives scored and 9 assists.
*
Purpose-Scoring Performs*
LA – Gabriel Pec (Joseph Paintsil, Riqui Puig), thirty eighth minute: Riqui Puig’s incisive move launched Joseph Paintsil free down the correct flank. Paintsil’s squared move into the penalty space discovered Pec, whose sliding shot discovered the again of the online.
LA – Riqui Puig (Joseph Paintsil), forty eighth minute: Working down the left flank, Joseph Paintsil dribbled into space and located Riqui Puig on the prime of the 18-yard field. Puig took a contact, earlier than drilling his low shot into the decrease nook of the objective.
POR – Jonathan Rodriguez (Evander, Santiago Moreno), 52nd minute: Jonathan Rodriguez’s shot from contained in the field was curled into the decrease proper nook.
LA – Joseph Paintsil (Diego Fagundez, John Nelson), 58th minute: Diego Fagundez delivered an outdoor the boot move down the left facet of the penalty space to Joseph Paintsil, who lower inside on his proper foot and curled his shot previous Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis.
POR – Santiago Moreno (Claudio Bravo), 73rd minute: Santiago Moreno dribbled in direction of the highest of the penalty space and fired a shot previous LA goalkeeper John McCarthy.
By means of 26 matches performed throughout the 2024 MLS Common Season, the LA Galaxy maintain a 14-5-7 report (50 GF, 37 GA; 49 factors) and sit in first place within the Western Convention standings.
LA sits atop the Western Convention on the MLS All-Star break for the primary time for the reason that 2011 marketing campaign.
The Galaxy relaxation in second place within the Supporters’ Protect standings, 4 factors behind first place Inter Miami CF (16-4-5, 56 GF, 39 GA; 53 factors).
In 9 video games performed relationship again to June 15, the LA Galaxy maintain a report of 7-2-0 (19 GF, 11 GA).
Saturday’s match marked the thirty seventh assembly throughout all competitions between the Galaxy and the Portland Timbers, with LA main the all-time collection 15-13-9.
In 18 all-time regular-season matches house matches performed towards Portland at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park, LA holds a 10-3-5 report.
Notably, LA is unbeaten in its final seven regular-season matches performed towards the Timbers (4-0-3; 16 GF, 9 GA) relationship again to July 30, 2021.
The Galaxy rank first in MLS with 10 video games with three or extra objectives scored throughout the 2024 marketing campaign.
Joseph Paintsil recorded a objective and two assists for a second consecutive match following the win over Portland.
Paintsil has recorded at the least a objective and an help in a single match in 5 video games performed throughout the 2024 marketing campaign.
Riqui Puig tallied his eighth objective and eleventh help of the season, accomplished three dribbles, gained six of 11 duels and gained 4 possessions within the win over the Portland Timbers.
Along with his tenth objective of the season scored within the win over Portland, Gabriel Pec grew to become the fourth participant in group historical past to supply at the least 10 objectives and 10 assists in his first season with the membership (Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 2018, Romain Alessandrini – 2017, Landon Donovan – 2005).
Mark Delgado created a sport excessive 5 possibilities, accomplished 75 of 84 passes (89.3%), gained 5 of seven duels, two tackles and 11 possessions and registered one interception within the win towards the Timbers.
In his fifth begin of the season, John Nelson tallied his first profession help for the Galaxy, gained two tackles, two duels and eight possessions, recorded one interception and accomplished 40 of 44 passes (90.9%) within the win over Portland.
Diego Fagundez notched his fourth help of the 2024 marketing campaign within the victory towards the Timbers.
Subsequent Sport
Subsequent up, the LA Galaxy start Leagues Cup play by touring to face the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on Wednesday, July 31 (7:30 p.m. PT, MLS Season Cross on Apple TV).**
2024 MLS Common Season
LA Galaxy (14-5-7, 49pts) vs. Portland Timbers (10-9-6, 36 pts)**
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – Dignity Well being Sports activities Park (Los Angeles)
Targets by Half 1 2 F
LA Galaxy 1 2 3
Portland Timbers 0 2 2
Scoring Abstract:
LA: Pec (Paintsil, Puig), 38
LA: Puig (Paintsil), 48
POR: Rodriguez (Evander, Moreno), 52
LA: Paintsil (Fagundez, Nelson), 58
POR: Moreno (Bravo), 73
Misconduct Abstract:
POR: Evander (warning), 14
POR: Chara (warning), 41
POR: Zuparic (warning), 62
LA: Nelson (warning), 90
POR: Ok. Miller (warning), 90+5
LA: Berry (warning), 90+6
POR: Rodriguez (warning), 90+8
Lineups:
LA: GK John McCarthy; D Miki Yamane (Mauricio Cuevas, 77), D Maya Yoshida ©, D Martin Cáceres, D John Nelson; M Edwin Cerrillo, M Mark Delgado, M Diego Fagundez (Miguel Berry, 90+3), M Riqui Puig, M Gabriel Pec, F Joseph Paintsil (Emiro Garces, 86)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Novak Mićović; D Jalen Neal, D Eriq Zavaleta; M Tucker Lepley, M Isaiah Parente, M Jonathan Pérez
TOTAL SHOTS: 16 (Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, 6); SHOTS ON GOAL: 6 (Three gamers tied, 2); FOULS: 6 (Riqui Puig, 2); OFFSIDES: 5; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 2
POR: GK James Pantemis; D Miguel Araujo, D Claudio Bravo (Zac McGraw, 81), D Dario Zuparic (Kamal Miller, 64), D Juan Mosquera; M Evander, M Eryk Williamson, M Diego Chara © (Cristhian Paredes, 64), M Santiago Rodriguez (Nathan Fogaca, 86); F Jonathan Rodriguez, F Felipe Mora (Antony, 64)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Trey Muse, D Eric Miller, D Larrys Mabiala
TOTAL SHOTS: 16 (Evander, 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 4 (Jonathan Rodriguez, 2); FOULS: 13 (Three gamers tied, 2); OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 3
Referee: Sergii Boiko
Assistant Referees: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt, Matthew Nelson
Fourth Official: Tim Ford
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
Climate: Clear, 72 levels
Attendance: 23,586
All statistics contained on this field rating are unofficial
LA GALAXY POSTGAME QUOTES
LA GALAXY HEAD COACH GREG VANNEY
On Joseph Paintsil:
“I believe he is achieved an ideal job adapting to the function. He is performed a bit of it through the years with groups. I do not suppose with Joe (Joseph Paintsil), with the best way he runs and you do not essentially need him simply staying in a single place, let him threaten totally different channels, totally different gaps behind totally different defenders, creating every kind of points for guys. We get balls on the surface and he is working. We simply curl issues round like we noticed later within the sport. He is holding the oppositions’ again traces very busy and really apprehensive. He is actually concerned. He is achieved an ideal job of holding up play and linking individuals in and issues like that. If once more, I believe the final two video games after we play towards a group that presses us. On this sport we had been capable of stand up within the sport which opens up some area behind. At instances I felt like we had been speeding assaults and we had been actually going quick and while you do this, the sport will get separated so we may also be lethal in separation. We additionally give yourselves some stuff to take care of on the defensive facet when it will get open like that. It is a bit little bit of a catch-22 however Joe’s introduced us over the past bit, every little thing he is introduced us some juice and stretch and he is been concerned. I believe with him, Riqui (Puig) and Gabe (Gabriel Pec) being nearer collectively as a result of he is not on the alternative tide of the sector we’re seeing them hyperlink up a bit bit extra after they’re each on the wing so it is enjoyable to observe and at instances, it is nerve racking nevertheless it’s enjoyable to observe.”
On managing management of the sport:
“For the amount of excellent possibilities we created and the way in a method delicate the objectives had been that we gave up, that is the problem, proper? And that is one thing that simply must be clear and I will return to saying within the league generally you may get away with that however in a knockout event you may’t do this, whether or not it is MLS Cup or Leagues Cup or any of these sorts of issues. It is a excessive threat kind of situation and as we undergo the final a part of the season, this event and last eight video games, it is discovering the stability between opening it up and doing the issues that we do and what makes us actually harmful and likewise managing management of the sport due to within the knockout event, one mistake can knock you out of the entire thing and so we have to ensure we’re aware of that as we preserve pushing right here down the stretch.”
On being in first place:
“I believe it is good for us simply to see rewards for our labor. Getting these factors helps you down the stretch. You by no means know in Leagues Cup, too, what can occur with groups. It may be anyplace from two to 5, six video games and also you by no means know with groups. You do not know what groups are going to do within the window to re-enforce so each level issues. Set your self up, have the arrogance being within the place that we’re in is all the time useful. So profitable earlier than we go on this stretch is helpful and so I believe emotionally it places us in an excellent begin and it helps me re-enforce some messages as a result of you may see we might be on the prime of the desk. Now the query is how can we evolve to grow to be a knockout champion kind of group versus a group that, yeah, we are able to win video games by means of the season however what is the evolution to grow to be that risk to elevate a trophy on the finish.”
On Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil working collectively:
“I believe a few issues, one in all them is I believe these video games and due to the best way the group is working. Popping out of Dallas which isn’t how we wish to play the sport, we noticed some working in behind, some stretching by way of our runs and us being extra dynamic as a bunch and I do not know what number of groups can play with us after we’re dynamic. When Gabe (Gabriel Pec) is working and his capability one-on-one and his skill in transition. Riqui’s (Puig) skill to slide on gaps and transfer and make additions on the run. Joseph’s (Paintsil) skill to search out one other gear and pace and get into pace as effectively. One, we acquired shifting within the final two video games. We had been shifting. I really feel like in Dallas we weren’t shifting for example. After we get shifting I do not know what number of groups can stick with us after we’re doing that effectively. The second half I believe is simply familiarity amongst them is continuous to develop. I am seeing much more guys leaving the ball to a man a bit bit early after which persevering with and making one other run with the anticipation that they will get the ball again. It isn’t give the ball to the man and let’s have a look at what he does. They’re shifting for one another, they’re shifting after the move, earlier than the move. There’s familiarity I believe that is persevering with to develop with every of them with one another that additionally makes them not simply individually harmful however collectively extra harmful. We’re seeing now every of them has a objective, every has an help concerned with the opposite one and so they can take pleasure in one another’s success not simply their success. They know collectively they’re every going to learn from that. I really feel like that is rising amongst them. We had a bit break in there as a result of Riqui was out and Joe was out and now Joe is up to the mark and Gabe has discovered his type for positive and Riqui’s again flying so I simply really feel like these issues are coming collectively and so they’re having fun with, actually having fun with enjoying and taking the sport to a different pace collectively.”
On influence of Mauricio Cuevas and Emiro Garces:
“The blokes got here in and did the job. At instances, it grew to become a problem as a result of after we gained the ball, we had been so quick to go and attempt to get the following one to separate the sport. If that did not come off, we’re a bit separated and having to handle conditions, having to handle some balls. Emiro (Garces) gained a few headers and balls and he acquired out tight on a few guys the place he dogged a few guys. He made the one factor coming throughout the face of the objective which was an enormous play. Mauri (Mauricio Cuevas) I believe simply coming in contemporary legs, Miki (Yamane) had achieved a ton of labor up and down and Mauri got here in, gave us contemporary legs defending robust guys on the market and gave us some contemporary legs within the possession and he was clear in his possession moments. Miguel (Berry) got here in and gained a header proper off the nook kick which was big. We have handled nook kicks at time and he acquired first contact, which was actually massive. Every man contributed rather a lot particularly on the defending facet of issues which is essential as a result of that is the place the sport was at that time. It was do not hand over something at that time. If we are able to get one other one, nice, which we weren’t capable of do however we noticed the sport out. We managed the corners sort of form of however, yeah, we acquired to maintain getting higher at seeing video games out, whether or not staying linked, getting the third, getting the additional objective and ensuring we’re defending our objective and field and tonight we did the job at 3-2. I really feel like we should always have achieved it earlier however at 3-2 we acquired it achieved. Thanks.”
*
LA GALAXY FORWARD JOSEPH PAINTSIL
On his modified function within the final two matches:
“It isn’t a tough function. It is generally annoying as a result of generally you aren’t getting a variety of balls which is okay, you should do some runs and simply serving to the group at the least making the run additionally helps to create some areas, so for me this isn’t my first time enjoying in that place. I did that once I was enjoying in a few video games so it is not my first time however, yeah, I simply must do no matter I must do in no matter place that I am getting used to assist my group. That is an important factor. It would not matter if I play on the correct or on the left or on the strike. What I must do is simply to provide my all and once I’m achieved, I am achieved.”
On day without work resulting from harm:
“I believe the harm taught me a bit little bit of a lesson as a result of I wanted to loosen up myself as a result of I used to be enjoying an entire lot of video games and I simply got here to proceed within the season right here so I believe that is additionally helped me with the remainder as a result of if not, my physique will probably be actually down and perhaps I can get a number of accidents, however I believe it helped me recuperate and I got here again quicker and, yeah, I am actually good. The extent I’m now, I am attempting to come back again to no matter I’m and the extent that I’m, so it is essential for me to go one sport to the opposite, not all the time that you should rating, make an help, however the influence you should placed on the group to assist the group to win. That is why I am right here and that is why I am right here to assist the group together with Riqui (Puig), together with Gabriel (Pec), together with everybody with the household of LA Galaxy. All of us do every little thing collectively. For me I am simply glad to provide every little thing that I’ve simply to assist the group regardless of how the result comes.”
On his relationship with Riqui Puig and Gabriel Pec:
“It feels good. We aren’t too lengthy collectively, I believe four-and-a-half or 5 months however as you may see, we do no matter we have to do particularly on the wing with Riqui (Puig) additionally. The mixture is admittedly good. Generally it is annoying, you get mad at one another, however that is soccer, so generally I get mad at Riqui, Riqui will get mad at me, Riqui will get mad at Gabe (Gabriel Pec). It isn’t that we do not like one another, however we would like the very best for one another so we talk and inform one another what to do and what to not do. With the bond that we’ve got, it is actually sturdy and as we preserve going, if we go like this, like I stated, in a few months we’ll be unstoppable with our offensive performs.”
Mindset going into the final 8 video games following Leagues Cup:
“What we had been searching for in these eight video games is to win all these eight video games if potential and the gamers are actually keen to win every sport even when we’re on a street journey, at the least profitable a sport or having the factors again is an important factor and all the time killing it within the house sport, however we’ve got informed ourselves to take one sport at a time and win one sport at a time as a result of it is actually essential. These eight video games will decide the place we stand on the finish earlier than we go to the playoffs so these eight video games is admittedly essential to us. We’re actually going to go all out regardless of the place we discover ourselves as a result of it is actually essential for us to win these eight video games and, yeah, on the finish of those eight video games, we’ll see the place we’re.”
LA GALAXY MIDFIELDER DIEGO FAGUNDEZ
On first place going into the Leagues Cup break:
“I believe I’ve been saying it on a regular basis, this group of gamers that we’ve got we’re so good. Both we play an excellent sport and we win video games or we make errors and generally it prices us and I believe you may see we are able to rating objectives, we simply must be a bit bit higher so we do not shoot ourselves within the foot. Some video games we are able to go up three objectives and it could be rather a lot simpler and we do not actually must stress however I suppose we actually lake that little hazard half however I believe it is big going into first place we’ve got eight or 9 video games left. Remind us that this break will assist us and after we come again, make certain we keep on prime.”
On what wants to enhance:
“I believe repair ourselves a bit bit extra defensively. We give away some objectives we should not be freely giving. After we’re scoring a lot of objectives, I do not suppose we actually notice that we’re taking pictures ourselves a bit bit within the foot, however I believe if we repair that half, we are able to go up 3-0 in video games and haven’t got to essentially be stressing on it. However like I stated, this group is so good. We all know we are able to rating objectives so we simply must preserve doing that and we’re nonetheless undefeated at house in order that’s essential.”
On the group’s expertise and capabilities:
“To be trustworthy, I’ve performed with actually good gamers throughout. Proper now I believe the group we’ve got is so good. We go ahead and you realize there’s going to be an assault the quantity of gamers we’ve got, the standard, the passing, the ending, I believe we’ve got all of it proper now. I do not take a look at what group was the very best however proper now I am having a variety of enjoyable with this group and that is what’s essential. I believe we misplaced it a bit bit in the past, and at last I used to be getting it again. I am very blissful the place I am at, and I believe the standard of play proper now we’re giving to our followers and to ourselves is superb.”
On beginning:
“I really feel like there’s all the time room to develop regardless of the place on the sector. If we wish to be a very good group, we have to be taught new issues. Gamers can play in several positions and that is big. You see it on the sector generally. Riqui (Puig) is dropping again or Joseph (Paintsil) is out broad, we’ve got to ensure we all know how you can play these positions. It would not matter the place you might be. On the finish of the day if there is a nook you are in a distinct place so we’ve got to know the way to do this and I believe this group positively is aware of how to do this and that is big, particularly while you come to a sport and you realize that (Gabriel) Pec likes to be on the correct facet and he needs to chop and all of the sudden you see him on the left and groups generally do not know how you can cease that and I believe that is what makes us actually sturdy proper now.”
On Joseph Paintsil:
“Joseph, the pace he has, each defender is fearful of him. At halftime I informed him, hey, verify two and go. Have a look at the objective. I used to be so blissful for him as a result of the quantity of labor that he places the quantity of sprinting and working and he needs to be within the field. He needs to attain objectives and as we speak he deserved it. On the primary objective, he passes it to (Gabriel) Pec and Pec scores so I believe that is what sort of high quality participant we’ve got for Joseph and like I stated, we’re all going to be rising and it would not matter what place we’re enjoying we simply must play effectively and attempt to rating objectives and win video games.”
LA GALAXY DEFENDER JOHN NELSON
On closing out video games:
“Yeah, a variety of these video games like tonight was a variety of transition backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards and that is one thing we do not need, particularly with a acquired group like Portland, the most effective attackers within the league, their entrance three. I believe it is one thing, shut off the center extra. I believe we are able to perform a little higher at that. They’re simply flying down the center and in the event that they we are able to do this many extra, it should assist us tonight.”
On first place going into Leagues Cup break:
“I’d say rather a lot particularly from the beginning of the yr to now and I’d say defensively, not giving up as many objectives, higher on defensive free kicks, defensive corners and these are mature wins. Yeah, we hand over perhaps some objectives however good groups discover a option to win and such as you stated, going into this break, prime of the west, it is big going into Leagues Cup after which the final a part of the season.”
On eight minutes of stoppage time and substitutions:
“Yeah, truthfully I do not suppose it ought to have been that lengthy. They’d perhaps one likelihood on the finish. As soon as we went to 3 within the again, Mauri (Mauricio Cuevas) did nice, massive headers, even guys like Miguel (Berry) who got here in and did defensive work, that is big for us. Everyone seems to be contributing defensively to win a sport like that, it is huge for us.”
