Off the field, Joseph Paintsil is still getting settled in. When he steps across the lines, that’s a different story.
The Galaxy’s newest Designated Player has fit in as if he’s been with the group for years, instead of just a couple of weeks.
“His integration into the league and team has happened quickly,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said of Paintsil. “It was a different setup against Nashville (last Sunday), they had a back five and their left wingback was staying tight to Joseph, so it was hard for him, especially in the first half, to find spaces and ways to get involved in the game.
“He went searching around the field to get touches, but I thought as the second half came along, we started to find him in some good pockets and his influence started to come up. His work rate, both offensively and defensively, has been fantastic.”
Paintsil, who joined the Galaxy from Racing Genk in Belgium, has a goal and an assist through the first three games.
The Galaxy (1-0-2, five points) returns to Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday to face St. Louis City SC (Apple TV+, 7:30 p.m.).
“Everything is good,” the 26-year-old Ghanian forward said. “I’m in a hotel for now, trying to find a place, but I think today or tomorrow, I will move.
“The league is very competitive. Every team is hard to play. We have a good connection and as time goes on, I think the bond is going to be really strong. This is like a whole love of family, compared to the other clubs that I’ve had.”
Paintsil said his family is still in Belgium, but they will visit soon.
His introduction has come fast and against a busy schedule. First, it was a 1-1 tie against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF and then consecutive road games, with a 3-1 victory over San Jose and a 2-2 draw against Nashville.
“It’s a positive thing for us as a group,” he said. “In Nashville, we were down 2-0 down and we came back to equalize. If there was more time, we could have won the game.
“I…
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