In Minnesota United's 7-1 rout of FC Cincinnati, it wasn't the usual suspects who did all of the damage.
Sure, Darwin Quintero (two assists) and Angelo Rodriguez (goal and assist) each contributed to goals, but the Loons' huge win was driven by a brace from Ike Opara and goals from Ethan Finlay, Mason Toye, Kevin Molino and Hassani Dotson, who scored a golazo in the 23rd minute.
Despite a defensive-minded player on the roster, Loons head coach Adrian Heath thinks highly of the rookie's offensive ability.
"I think a few weeks ago, you remember when I said he might be one of the best finishers in the club?" Heath rhetorically asked reporters after the game. "I said it after his goal here against Seattle. He’s got a great strike on him. And if we can keep getting him at any of the spots around the penalty area, that can happen because he’s got incredible power and not much back lift. Another good day for him as well."
Dotson, drafted No. 31 overall by the Loons in this year's SuperDraft, made his fifth straight start for the club, growing in importance to the team. On Saturday, the midfielder lined up at right back.
"It remains to be seen where his ultimate position will be," Heath said. "I think – as he’s proved – he can play multiple positions. Most squads love a good utility player, and that’s what he is going to turn out to be. I ultimately think he will be a defensive midfield player, but who knows. We’ll wait and see. But, the kid had a great start to his MLS career."
Dotson wasn't the only rookie to impress the manager.
The club's first-round SuperDraft selection, Chase Gasper, made his first start for Minnesota.
"[I was impressed with] all aspects of his game," Heath said of Gasper. "He was in the right spots defensively. Got forward. Used the ball well. Some of his balls down the touchline to Miguel Ibarra especially, were outstanding. Because there wasn’t much room for error where he was playing it. But he’s sort of taking off where he started, because he had a really, really good preseason, and then he got an injury. But, he’s done terrific."
