LAFC ends Minnesota United’s four-match winning streak
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- LAFC defeated Minnesota United 1-0 Saturday, snapping a winless stretch and earning a crucial victory over Western Conference contenders.
- The loss ended Minnesota United’s four-match unbeaten run, halting the club’s momentum as both teams vie for top playoff positioning.
- Hugo Lloris earned his eighth league-leading clean sheet of the season with five saves, extending his dominant defensive performance on the campaign.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — David Martinez scored early in the first half and that was all Hugo Lloris needed as LAFC ended Minnesota United’s four-match winning streak with a 1-0 victory on Saturday.
LAFC (6-2-2) snapped an 0-2-1 winless stretch with the victory between two clubs tied for third in the Western Conference entering play. Minnesota United (5-3-2) was unbeaten in its previous five outings.
Martinez scored for the third time this season to give LAFC a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. It was the 10th career goal for the 20-year-old in 55 matches. Timothy Tillman collected his second assist of the season, and Stephen Eustáquio notched his third in his fifth career match.
Lloris finished with five saves for LAFC. The 39-year-old has a league-leading eight clean sheets in nine starts this season. It was his 32nd shutout in 78 career matches.
Drake Callender saved six shots for Minnesota United.
All four goals Lloris has surrendered this season came in a home loss to the San José Earthquakes a week ago. That ended a 593-minute scoreless run to begin the season. He dueled Zack Steffan and the visiting Colorado Rapids to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday.
Joaquín Pereyra had a potential tying shot hit the left post on a giveaway in the 77th minute.
Callender made a save on shots by Jeremy Ebobissie in the 85th minute and Denis Bouanga in the 87th to keep the home team in it. He also had a kick save on a shot by Bouanga in the third minute of stoppage time.
Lloris had a save on a header by Pereyra in the final seconds to preserve the victory. Lloris saved a shot by James Rodríguez that was on target from 35 yards out in stoppage time to keep LAFC in front at the half.
Up next: LAFC visits San Diego FC next Saturday; Minnesota visits the Columbus Crew .
