Joseph Paintsil's Goal Lifts Galaxy Past Earthquakes

TS Galaxy FC's Joseph Paintsil scored the only goal of the match, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 win that allowed them to earn three points in the Western Conference and climb to 10th place in the standings.

The match also marked Hirving "Chucky" Lozano's debut in front of the Galaxy fans. Only 15,435 spectators visited Dignity Health Sports Park - which has a capacity of 27,000 - to see the Mexican forward line up in a Galaxy home jersey for the first time.

Lozano was introduced on Aug. 7 as the club's new designated player. He played his first match for the team on the road Saturday, joining as a substitute in the 65th minute of the 1-0 road loss to the Houston Dynamo.

"It's my first game here at home, and I'm very happy," Lozano said after the match. "We got the result, which is the most important thing for the team, and, well, honestly, I feel great. Of course, I still need to build up my rhythm and get in better physical shape, but I think I'm feeling really good right now. We're taking it step by step, and I think we're doing very well."

Lozano, who put in a standout performance, inherited the No. 11 jersey vacated by Gabriel Pec and is looking to start a new chapter after his difficult stint with San Diego FC. He joined the Galaxy on loan through December, with an option to make the move a permanent transfer.

The Galaxy's first substitution came in the 68th minute, when Lozano left the field to make way for Robert Taylor.

A minute later, Paintsil tried to catch everyone off guard with a three-fingered shot, but the strike lacked power and Gunn made a confident save.

The Galaxy capitalized on the mistake. Taylor weaved his way through four defenders and fired a low shot that nearly became the first goal of the night. Shortly afterward, a give-and-go between Reus and Harbor Miller set up Paintsil's goal.

In the 79th minute, Reus sent a deep pass to Miller. The defender cut into the box and crossed the ball to Paintsil, who simply had to tap it into the back of the net to make it 1-0 and spark celebrations at Dignity Health Sports Park.

League standing: 10th in Premier Soccer League, 2 pts, 0W-2D-1L from 3 games, recent form DLD.