Players move around every year; it’s just part of the business. Regardless of where they presently ply their trade, the saying “Once a Loon, always a Loon,” means something around these halls. With that in mind, I could look no further than one Hassani Dotson when I was searching for this week’s edition of Storylines, and I was suddenly standing on my feet remembering some of the incredible goals our old midfielder scored in Black and Blue.
As we continue to celebrate the club’s tenth year in MLS, it feels only right to pay tribute to one of the faces that has made that time so special. So, without further ado, let’s take a trip down memory lane to look back at how Dotson got to where he’s at, and appreciate all of the moments and memories he gave us along the way.
PNW Through and Through
Dotson hails from Federal Way, Washington, where he grew up playing club soccer for Crossfire Academy and Washington Premier. A standout youth soccer career earned the midfield engine a chance to play at the highest level of college soccer, locking down a spot as a crucial piece of Oregon State’s roster from 2015 to 2018. He paid his dues to get valuable semi-pro and amateur experience, playing for both Washington Crossfire and Lane United in the NPSL and USL League Two, respectively, before going pro in 2019.
When Dotson was selected with the 31st pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, it signaled his first soccer experience outside of his native PNW. The change of scenery didn’t deter the young midfielder, though, as an electric start to life as a professional player led to a Rookie of the Year campaign that Loons fans will never forget: Bangers Only. Though he didn’t win the award, Dotson established himself as an exciting, consistent presence in the Black and Blue lineup, and became a cornerstone of the club’s continued development as an MLS franchise.
For seven seasons, he brought energy, effort, and professionalism to work with him every single day. Whether he was scoring bangers, making a full-field recovery run, or threading passes to connect the field, his contributions to our club can’t be summed up in a single article. So, let’s focus on a few of the best moments instead.
Moments to Remember
They say a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words, so let’s relive some of those moments I alluded to with some quick flicks.
First Goal - June 2, 2019
Not a bad way to grab your first professional goal, huh? This is the strike that started it all, the original banger that gave rise to the catchphrase.
Playoff Clinching Goal - September 25, 2019
After two years of building and growing, the club finally made the jump to the postseason in 2019, courtesy of this unforgettable goal from none other than Hassani Dotson.
Proposal at Allianz Feld - July 3, 2021
While he gave us plenty of special moments during game time, this particular post-match moment stands out as one of the nicest moments in Allianz Field history. He scored bangers in front of thousands; why not get engaged the same way?
Goal of the Year contender against SKC - March 15, 2025
Hassani's last goal for the club lived up to the standard he set since his first. I don't think I can improve upon it with words, so just watch it several hundred times. You'll never get tired of this one.
When Dotson made his move to the Sounders this offseason, it came as a bittersweet moment for our fanbase. On one hand, a faithful member of our club’s history got a chance to return home and continue his career. On the other, we lost a face that gave us plenty to cheer about.
We watched this man play more than 10,000 minutes across 149 games. He banged in 17 goals, added 10 assists, and sent us into hysterics on multiple occasions. We watched him get engaged, become a father, and persevere through more than one difficult injury. He gave us his all, and our fanbase will forever be thankful for that. Whether he’s back in the lineup this weekend or not (he’s been recovering from a concussion the last few matchdays), and no matter what colors he’s wearing, it will always be a privilege to see him take the pitch at Allianz Field. I think I speak for all of us when I say welcome back, Hassani; it’s good to see you.
