Los Angeles Galaxy forward Joseph Painstil expressed his gratitude after scoring on his first start since his return from injury.

Paintsil missed seven games across all competitions through injury before making his return in the Galaxy's CONCACAF Champions Cup defeat to Toluca, while he started against FC Dallas last time out in MLS.

The 28-year-old scored the equaliser as LA Galaxy came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in Dallas, with Paintsil also assisting Lucas Sanabria.

Painstil registered the most shots for his side in the draw (three), as well as creating the joint-most chances (two) and completing 94.4% of his passes (team-high).

The forward is now full of confidence as the Galaxy travel to face the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.

"It's been a rough season for me, getting an injury for almost sixed weeks. This is not something that any footballer wants, but it's also part of the game. 

"But being on the scoresheet, it has really made me feel really good. It boosts my energy and also gives me more confidence to go to the next game.

"And, yeah, the team did everything possible to take that one point. I'm just really grateful that I'm still healthy and for getting minutes against Dallas."

Columbus lost 2-1 to the New England Revolution last time out, ending a brief three-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Max Arfsten scored in the defeat, which saw the Crew drop to 12th in the Eastern Conference.

The 25-year-old believes the club must be patient as they look to build another winning team.

"It doesn't sound super amazing to say, but I mean, we just have to take it one day at a time," said Arfsten.

"Train hard, like I said, just get on the same page as players on the field and really just take more accountability, myself, of course, included. 

"I think we all just need to be more accountable in terms of, we know what we're doing right now is not working, so we have to do something to change and it's on the players. It's on us. So, we just have to figure it out and it begins every day in training."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Max Arfsten

Along with his goal against New England, Arfsten also recorded the most touches in the box (eight), won the most duels (8/15), won the most tackles (4/5) and registered the most interceptions (three).

Los Angeles Galaxy – Gabriel Pec

Pec assisted Paintsil's equaliser against Dallas, one of two chances the Brazilian created in the draw.

Pec has directly contributed to nine goals across all competitions this season (six goals, three assists), the most of any Galaxy player.

MATCH PREDICTION – COLUMBUS CREW WIN

When the two sides last met in MLS action, Columbus emerged victorious at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in May 2023. Lucas Zelarayan struck first for the Crew before Malte Amundsen was also on target in a 2-0 win.

However, only the Philadelphia Union (one) have won fewer points at home this season than Columbus (two), who have drawn two games on their own turf and lost one.

In league matches on the road this season, the Galaxy have one win, two draws, and one loss; their only away win came against Austin FC on April 11.

Both the Crew and the Galaxy have the same record over the last six MLS games, winning one, drawing two and losing three.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 54%

Draw – 23.6%

Los Angeles Galaxy – 22.4%