CONCACAF Champions Cup: Galaxy draw in first leg at Panama

Field Level Media|published: 02/19/2026, 10:42pm EST

Sep 27, 2025; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil (28) moves the ball down the field against Sporting Kansas City during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

Joseph Paintsil's 68th-minute goal allowed the Los Angeles Galaxy to salvage a 1-1 draw against Sporting San Miguelito on Thursday in the opening leg of a first-round CONCACAF Champions Cup series at Penonome, Panama.

The finale of the two-game, total-goal series is scheduled for Wednesday in Carson, Calif. The team that advances will oppose Jamaica's Mount Pleasant in the round of 16.

For the tying goal, the Galaxy worked the ball down the right flank. Joao Klauss' layoff set up Paintsil, who took a touch before firing in a right-footed shot from close to the penalty spot.

Rodrigo Tello gave Sporting San Miguelito the lead in the 37th minute. Angel Valencia's cross from the right wing found Tello unmarked in the left side of the penalty area, and Tello's header from 8 yards looped over Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and into the far side of the net.

Marcinkowski and San Miguelito goalie Jose Calderon were each credited with two saves.

--Field Level Media