Minnesota United closed out its home campaign in the MLS Regular Season this week, getting a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City and 1-1 draw with LAFC. The results clinched the club’s first ever MLS Cup Playoff berth and kept it in second place in the West heading into the final game. For their efforts this past week, defender Michael Boxall, midfielder Hassani Dotson and Head Coach Adrian Heath have all been named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 30.
Boxall makes the Team of the Week for the first time this season. His 75th minute goal on Sunday tied the game for the Loons as they went on to take a point off the Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC. He also made two key interceptions and a pair of clearances to relieve pressure. The New Zealand international cleaned up the MNUFC penalty area on Wednesday night as well, sweeping away five clearances, including two with his head.
Dotson makes his first Team of the Week appearance since featuring on the bench for the first time since Week 20. The rookie sensation completed the comeback against SKC, coming off the bench to score the game-winning goal in the 90th minute to clinch a playoff spot in front of the home crowd. Dotson took on a defensive role Sunday, breaking up LAFC attacks with three interceptions on the night.
Heath makes his first appearance as the coach of the Team of the Week in 2019. Leading the Loons in a remarkable third year in charge of the club, his players picked up four major points at home in the final stretch of the season. Under his command, the Loons finished the regular season on a 10-game unbeaten streak at home. Now he has the chance to lock up a home game in the first round of the playoffs in a Decision Day clash with Seattle Sounders FC.
See the Full MLS Team of the Week for Week 30 below:
F: Ebobisse (POR), Kamara (COL), Vela (LAFC)
M: Mitrita (NYC), Hwang (VAN), Atuesta (LAFC), Pavon (LA)
D: Farrell (NE), Boxall (MIN), Brillant (DC)
GK: Turner (NE)
Bench: Hamid (DC), Vines (COL), Duncan (RBNY), Dotson (MIN), Santos (CLB), Morris (SEA), Bou (NE)
Coach: Adrian Heath (MIN)
