As we prepare for Minnesota United’s first-ever home playoff game on Sunday, October 20 against the LA Galaxy, we’re taking an opportunity to look back at 10 of our favorite moments from what was a historic, dramatic and action-packed 2019 regular season.

Months ago, few would’ve imagined that an arrowing half-volley from Hassani Dotson would inspire a run of scintillating form in the absence of defender Romain Metanire. There were even fewer who could’ve foreseen the run vaulting the versatile midfielder into the forefront of the 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year conversation. But it was the shot that would launch a signature catchphrase – Hassani Dotson, bangers only.

Although Dotson’s strike came in Minnesota United’s only home loss of the 2019 MLS regular season, the rookie’s equalizer – his first goal in MLS on his first-ever shot – sent Allianz Field into a frenzy.

Taking the ball on the half-volley – one of the most difficult shooting techniques to execute proficiently – Dotson skillfully adjusted his body so that he could strike the ball on his dominant right foot just before it bounced for a second time. As his effort smacked off Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake’s near post and into the net, Raymond Gaddis and Eric Bedoya can be seen rooted to the spot. The duo looked bewildered, trying to figure out how Dotson had just managed to sneak his effort around the two Union players and past Blake to tie the game.

“The ball came in from a cross and bounced up and I could see there was a little opening on the left side of the defender,” remarked Dotson. “I tried to hit there because I was guessing it was a blind spot for the goalkeeper and it went in.”

Dotson has gone on to score three more emphatic goals in MLS this season – a rocket from range against FC Cincinnati, a wonderfully-struck finish from the edge of the box against FC Dallas and a playoff clinching goal against Sporting KC – and the rookie has showed no signs of slowing down.