LA Galaxy beat former star & his new team

The Los Angeles Galaxy haven't won too many games this season. Entering this past weekend, the defending MLS Cup champions were at home in all four of their wins so far during the regular season.

Thanks to a 4-1 pounding of Sporting Kansas City, the LA Galaxy added their fifth win of the season. Though it is a little too late for their playoff hopes, the Galaxy were eliminated from playoff contention after failing to win in their last match.

One of the LA Galaxy's brightest stars on offense from last season became the opposition after he was traded last winter. Forward Dejan Joveljic spent four seasons with the six-time MLS Cup winners before being shipped off to Western Conference foe Sporting Kansas City.

Joveljic reminded fans why he was so vital to their championship success on Saturday. The Serbian scorer added his 18th goal of the season in the 28th minute of play. That cut the LA Galaxy's lead in half, 2-1.

Who was the LA Galaxy's Player of the Game?

While playing for his national team back in Ghana, Joseph Paintsil has missed some time the past month. His presence has been missed as the Los Angeles Galaxy's offense has not been the same as it was last year.

Paintsil scored in the opening minutes. Defender Mauricio Cuevas was credited with the assist.

LA Galaxy defender Mauricio Cuevas recorded two assists off of Joseph Paintsil's hat trick on Saturday against Sporting KC. — May 31, 2025; Carson, California, USA; Los Angele Galaxy defender Mauricio Cuevas (19) clapping to fans after a win against Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images | Bailey Holiver-Imagn Images

The second-year forward for the Galaxy added a second goal in the 25th minute of play. Another precise pass from Cuevas resulted in his second assist and Paintsil's third goal on the evening.

Taking a 3-1 lead into halftime, the Los Angeles Galaxy was not done scoring yet. Midfielder Diego Fagundez added his fifth goal of the season in the 60th minute. Forward Gabriel Pec recorded the assist, his seventh assist.

Paintsil and Pec were both newcomers to MLS and the LA Galaxy last season. The pair recorded at least ten goals and ten assists each. Paintsil still has a chance to record his tenth goal of the season.

LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec recorded his seventh assist on the season. His pass led to Diego Fagundez's goal against KC. — LA Galaxy v Sporting Kansas City | Shaun Clark/GettyImages

So far in 2025, Pec has six goals and seven assists, while Paintsil has nine goals and five assists. The two forwards have scored more than 34% of the LA Galaxy's goals this year.

The team has just three games left on the regular season. They have a home-and-away split against FC Dallas and then the regular season finale at home against Minnesota United FC.

Who was the LA Galaxy's Player of the Game?

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