Joseph Paintsil's second-half equalizer earned the LA Galaxy a 1-1 draw at Panamanian side Sporting San Miguelito on Thursday evening in Leg 1 of their Round One series in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Sporting SM struck first in the 37th minute through midfielder Rodrigo Tello, who headed home a free header at the back post off a cross from Angel Valencia.
The Galaxy leveled the match in the 68th minute via Paintsil. The Ghanaian international converted a comfortable finish after pouncing on a deflected ball in the penalty area.
LA narrowly avoided another concession 10 minutes from full time, when a long cross into the penalty box evaded goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski. But the effort rang off the crossbar, ensuring the Galaxy head into Leg 2 next Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park on level terms with an all-important road goal.Â
The aggregate winner will take on Jamaican Premier League side Mount Pleasant FA in the Round of 16.
