Brad Knighton expected to contend for Revolution goalkeeper job
Goalkeeper Brad Knighton spent two seasons competing for the starting goalkeeper spot with the Vancouver Whitecaps but will now be in a similar position after returning to the New England Revolution. Knighton was traded on Dec. 11 to the Revs from Vancouver but would not be guaranteed a starting role with Bobby Shuttleworth.
Jul 14, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Brad Knighton (18) during the second half against the Chicago Fire at BC Place Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-1.Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
“That was the thing that stood out for me was that you’re going to get a fair shot and a fair crack at it, and all you can ask is to have someone be upfront and honest with you,” said Knighton to MLSSoccer.com’s Josh Perry. “With [Vancouver] not picking up my option – they wanted me to come back, I think, at a lower number.
“Obviously, I wanted to test the waters elsewhere and see what else was available out there for me. To get back in the United States was a huge thing for me and to be able to come back to New England was kind of a no-brainer.
“Whether it’s [Shuttleworth] or I that starts the first game, it’s going to take both of us to get through this entire season. We’re in this together and it’s going to be a great battle for the two of us these next five weeks.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Lee Nguyen is hoping to up his contributions to the Revolution. Nguyen was given a contract extension after showing signs of potential with his creativity and on-the-ball savvy.
“I’m just grateful and blessed to be part of an organization that put a lot of confidence in me,” Nguyen told RevolutionSoccer.net’s Jeff Lemieux. “It’s great to know that my future is going to be here for a while. That’s a pretty good feeling to be able to relax and now just focus on playing. I’m looking forward to helping the Revs push further this season.”
Nguyen appeared in 63 of New England’s regular season games in the 2012 and 2013 seasons, tallying nine goals and assists apiece.
“Lee has shown what he can do on the field for us over the last couple of seasons,” said Revs manager Jay Heaps. “He’s someone that when we talk about core players, his name’s on the board most every time we play. I’ve enjoyed coaching him and I’m looking forward to coaching him for a few more years.”
“It’s good to see the Revs and the coaching staff put a lot of confidence in me to re-sign me,” Nguyen added. “I just want to pay them back.”
Finally, Kevin Alston was in training camp with the team in Casa Grande, Ariz. Alston is glad that this year offers a clean slate and a fresh start.
Mar 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; FC Dallas player Jackson kicks the ball away from New England Revolution player Kevin Alston during the second half of FC Dallas
“Last preseason was frustrating just going through that daily grind where I just didn’t know what was going on,” Alston told Lemieux. “Now, my mind’s in a better place. I’m happy to be out here, happy to be back with everybody and I feel good to match.
“When you come back in the middle or towards the end of a season, it’s a learning curve. Everybody’s in form, they’ve been playing, their rhythm’s down and it’s kind of like you’re starting back at preseason just trying to get the rust and the kinks out.
“Now, having this whole offseason to prepare and come back with a clean slate, it’s good to start fresh.”