SOCCER: David Martinez's goal lifts LAFC over Minnesota United

David Martinez's goal in the ninth minute was the lone score as Los Angeles FC defeated Minnesota United 1-0 in Saint Paul, Minn., on Saturday.

For LAFC (6-2-2, 20 points), the win was its first since a victory over reigning CONCACAF Cup champions Cruz Azul on April 7.

Minnesota (5-3-2, 17 points) hadn't lost since a 6-0 defeat to Vancouver on March 15. Loons goalie Drake Callender recorded six saves in Saturday's loss, his second highest tally of the season.

Martinez's goal ended a 278-minute run without a goal scored at Minnesota's Allianz Field, a streak that spanned three matches.

The motto of the match was missed opportunities, as Minnesota accumulated 11 corner-kick opportunities compared to LAFC's two and 24 shot attempts to Los Angeles' seven.

Stephen Eustaquio perfectly executed a touch through two Minnesota defenders that cruised with an in-motion Martinez. From the left side of Minnesota's penalty area, Martinez delivered a strike to the high right side of the net that secured the only goal for either side.

The victory saw Hugo Lloris record his eighth clean sheet in league play this season, leading MLS. The win was also LAFC's third straight 1-0 defeat of Minnesota United.

LAFC hopes to use the win as momentum as they prepare to face Deportivo Toluca FC in the CONCACAF Cup semifinals on Wednesday night.

Minnesota will look to rebound against San Jose in MLS play on Tuesday night.

Minnesota and LAFC are set to square off again on Nov. 1 in Los Angeles.

-Field Level Media/Reuters