Takeaways From LA Galaxy’s 2-1 Win Against Minnesota United
Paintsil and Naci shine as LA’s nightmare 2025 ends on a high note against the Loons.
Decision Day across MLS is usually filled with playoff chaos and scoreboard drama. For the Galaxy, it was simpler; one last chance to play for pride and to spoil Minnesota United’s push for a higher seed.
The Galaxy would find the back of the net early, as Matheus Nacimiento tapped in a deflected pass from Elijah Wynder in the 12th minute. Won’t go down as an assist, but his creativity set up the opener.
Joseph Paintsil would double the lead in the 52nd. His first shot went off the far post but came right back to him as he put away the rebound on an empty net. VAR would check for offside, but the goal was given
The Loons got one back in added time with a Joaquin Pereyra corner that made it through traffic and deflected off Novak Mićović and in for what should’ve gone down as an own goal.
That closed the book on the defending MLS Cup champions’ letdown of a 2025 season. The Galaxy ended on a high, despite a final record of 7-9-18 that tells a story of missed opportunities.
A Strong Finish, at Last
The Galaxy finished the season with back-to-back wins against playoff teams and won three of its last four, signaling that the team was beginning to find cohesion and form. Head coach Greg Vanney praised the effort of the players, noting the emotional and tactical growth that emerged over the second half of the season. “Better finish. Everybody stuck together all the way until the last game. And we beat two playoff teams down the stretch, which is a nice statement for where we are.”
Vanney emphasized the importance of finishing strong as a building block for next year, reflecting on lessons learned from early-season struggles. “We learned a lot about ourselves, and we brought some guys along. And we’ll be in a better spot at the beginning of this year, also because we finished strong and we finished the right way,” he said. For a team that spent most of the season struggling to convert chances and maintain defensive stability, these final victories represent more than points – they are evidence of a team beginning to operate closer to its potential.
Even veteran defender Maya Yoshida acknowledged the growth in the second half of the season, noting that the team dominated distribution and controlled possession against strong opposition. “We can dominate most of the teams from especially from the distribution. No one can press us, and we can dominate every time,” he said.
The Galaxy’s ability to impose itself late in the season provides a sense of optimism and confidence as they head into the offseason and the preparations for 2026.
Paintsil Leads and Looks Ahead
The Ghanaian finished the 2025 season as the LA Galaxy’s leading scorer with 10 goals, a mark that underscored both his individual talent and his growing importance to the team. Against Minnesota, Paintsil’s skill on the ball was on full display. His dynamic runs and ability to find space behind defenders allowed LA to sustain dangerous attacks throughout the match, creating chances not only for himself but also for teammates like Gabriel Pec and Diego Fagundez.
Paintsil reflected on what the season meant for him personally, framing it as a lesson in resilience and focus. He acknowledged the disappointment of not making the playoffs, but highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes and using the offseason to prepare for the next challenge.
“It’s really important for me now… I still need to work myself out and just be ready for the season and also for the World Cup,” he said. Paintsil’s commitment extends beyond club play, as he hopes to represent Ghana in next year’s World Cup, an experience that will likely enhance his confidence and mental approach heading into the next MLS campaign.
Vanney also praised Paintsil’s ability to thrive in transition and find space in dynamic situations. “We were finding him behind the back line. Today he found that ball out on the wing, driving into the box to finish on his right foot. He made a great pass off the post back to himself to finish. He got a goal and an assist on that, I think.”
Paintsil’s season wasn’t just about individual stats; it was about leadership on the field. As he turns his focus to offseason training and international duty, Paintsil embodies the bridge between the team’s present and its ambitions for the future, combining production, mentality, and work ethic as he looks ahead to 2026.
Building Blocks for 2026
While the 2025 season had its frustrations, it also offered glimpses of the Galaxy’s potential core for the future. Young players like Elijah Wynder and John Nelson stepped into larger roles, showing growth, confidence, and readiness to compete at the MLS level.
Vanney singled out Wynder’s speed and movement, noting how his runs created space and opportunities for teammates. “He had an impact on others, not just himself and the team… I think a lot of clarity in his mind,” Vanney said. Nelson, meanwhile, continued to impress with his defensive instincts, smart positioning, and ability to adapt to multiple roles during the match against Minnesota.
Other players also made contributions that Vanney highlighted as important for the team’s trajectory. Mauricio Cuevas, Lucas Sanabria, and Harbor Miller are part of a young group that gained meaningful minutes, while veterans like Maya Yoshida provided stability, professionalism, and leadership for these emerging players.
Vanney emphasized that this mix of youth and experience will be crucial, particularly with the condensed schedule coming due to the 2026 World Cup break. Depth and adaptability will be necessary to maintain performance over a season that will demand rotation and consistency.
With 2026 in mind, the Galaxy can look at its young core as a foundation. The experience gained from playing against playoff-level opposition, combined with the leadership of veterans, creates a platform to start next season stronger and more prepared.
As LA enters the offseason, these emerging building blocks, paired with offseason acquisitions and tactical refinements, offer a path toward returning to the top of the Western Conference.