Instead of a standard flight attendant, Minnesota United assistant coach Zarek Valentin was heard over the airplane’s intercom system before the team’s flight to Seattle on Saturday.

And instead of rote instructions that all passengers have heard a million times, Valentin shared news: Dayne St. Clair has won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

The Loons’ goalkeeper knew something was afoot just before the announcement, given team staff members were pointing cameras toward his seat in the rear of the plane.

Michael Boxall and other teammates clamored for a speech. St. Clair went to the front of the plane, grabbed the intercom and said he was thankful to win it and that it wouldn’t be possible without all the teammates who defended in front of him this season.

“I’m happy about it,” St.

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