LOS ANGELES - The drumbeat from within the black-and-gold clad LAFC's supporters group on the north side of Banc of California Stadium was the steadiest rhythm in the first half against Minnesota United late Wednesday.

A close runner-up was the threatening nature of LAFC's attack in the south end of the gorgeous stadium built for the new MLS expansion franchise.

With two first-half goals, L.A. had enough to down Minnesota 2-0 in front of a capacity crowd of 22,000, with 3,252 fans in The 3252 group creating a hostile environment that the Loons couldn't quiet.

LAFC's two Designated Players, Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, have led the upstart club with nine combined goals in their hot start, but it was two unheralded players who caused pain for Minnesota.

In the 31st minute, Eduard Atuesta eluded Loons captain Francisco Calvo at the penalty spot and slipped a deflected ball off Calvo that went past Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. It was his first goal in MLS.

Six minutes later, Mark-Anthony Kaye scored his first MLS goal when he chipped a shot over Shuttleworth. The play was set up by 5-foot-5 Latif Blessing winning an aerial over 5-foot-11 Calvo, with Kaye getting underneath it.

"I thought they were two poor goals to concede," United coach Adrian Heath said. "They didn't have to work hard enough. ... With the team that we had out, no forwards, etcetera, it made it a mountain to climb after."

LAFC (6-2-1) is undefeated in its three home games this season and has four wins and a draw in its past five games.

"The environment is really loud and the field is really nice," Shuttleworth said. "Credit to them. It's a really nice facility."

Minnesota (4-6) had its modest two-game winning streak ended. The Loons, playing the middle game of three in eight days, started a revamped midfield of Collin Martin, Maximiano and Harrison Heath, the latter two making their debuts for the Loons. United rested Ibson and had Rasmus Schuller come of the bench with another game coming Saturday at home against San Jose.

"It was difficult for them, going against a team that had a lot of possession," Heath said of LAFC, which had 58 percent of the ball. "They have good rotation in midfield, and they are all comfortable on the ball and then because of the threat they have in front men, they are difficult to contain."

Minnesota was without two strikers and was cautious with a third Wednesday. Mason Toye was suspended for the red card he received Saturday; Abu Danladi didn't make the trip as he's still sidelined with an ankle injury; Christian Ramirez traveled and trained as he works back from a hamstring injury. He was available off the bench, but Heath said he didn't really consider putting him as a sub.

The midfield changes and no forward pushed attacking midfielder Darwin Quintero higher up the pitch, but also tracked back to get the ball. Minnesota lacked connection to him, Alexi Gomez and Miguel Ibarra outside of long runs.

LAFC nearly scored in the sixth minute when Rossi's shot hit the far post. The next minute, Quintero weaved through the LAFC defense and also had his shot ricochet off the frame.

Minnesota nearly got a goal back in the 43rd minute when Ibarra coaxed goalkeeper Tyler Miller off his line, but his tight-angle shot was headed out by Walker Zimmerman for a corner kick.

"One of them had to go in for us to keep momentum in the game," Heath said.

LAFC had more threatening moments in the second half, but by then the more casual fans in the southern end were distracted by attempts to start "the wave."