Martínez scores early as LAFC bounces back against Minnesota United

(Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images)

David Martínez and LAFC earned three much-needed points in a bounce-back victory, shutting out Minnesota United FC 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Allianz Field. The Black & Gold improved to 6-2-2, earning their first victory in league play since April 4.

"It's not a type of game that we want to play many times," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "I felt that our decision-making in the first pass was not good enough. But we were great in the box...very good defending set plays against probably one of the best teams attacking with set plays in the league."

It was just the second regular-season road victory all-time for Los Angeles against Minnesota, and their third straight clean-sheet performance against the club. A strong defensive showing led the way following the early ninth-minute score from Martínez.

Midfielder Timothy Tillman picked up an assist on the play, perfectly leaving the ball for Martínez as he rifled it past Minnesota goalkeeper Drake Callender from a tricky angle. The 20-year-old now has seven scores across all competitions in 2026, with Saturday's strike marking his first in league play since March 7.

Tillman relayed his nice passing into a solid overall performance, doing well defensively to help L.A. escape some dangerous situations deep in its own territory. He found himself perfectly positioned to deny a header attempt from defender Jefferson Díaz in the 29th minute, preserving the lead.

Hugo Lloris and the rest of LAFC's defensive effort were sound throughout the contest, snapping Minnesota's four-game win streak and holding the side scoreless in league play for the first time in over a month. Lloris made three saves in the victory, earning his eighth clean sheet of the season to lead MLS.