Brad Knighton announces retirement, transitions to coaching role with Revolution Academy
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Goalkeeper Brad Knighton announced today his retirement from professional soccer following a 16-year playing career, including a club-high 12 seasons with the New England Revolution from 2007-09 and 2014-22. Knighton will remain with New England as he begins his coaching career as the Revolution Academy’s Under-17 Head Coach.
Originally signed by New England as an undrafted free agent out of UNC-Wilmington in 2007, Knighton posted a 33-29-20 career mark in MLS action, including a 21-20-14 league record with the Revolution. With New England, Knighton helped the Revolution reach the MLS Cup Final twice in 2007 and 2014 and helped win the club’s first Supporters’ Shield title in 2021. Knighton was instrumental in the team’s run to the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, starting four matches in the tournament. The Hickory, N.C. native also helped the Revolution win the 2007 U.S. Open Cup and 2008 North American SuperLiga.
“I am thankful and fortunate to have spent 16 years living my dream of playing professional soccer. I am especially grateful to the Revolution, the Kraft family, and the entire New England community for their support during my 12 years in Foxborough,” Knighton said. “New England has become home for me and my family. I am excited to remain with this club as I begin my next chapter as a coach. I cannot wait to begin working alongside Curt Onalfo, Rob Becerra, and the rest of the staff to help develop the next generations of Revolution players.”
Apr 9, 2022; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton (18) kicks the ball against Inter Miami CF during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Knighton ends his playing career ranking fourth in Revolution history in goals against average (1.70), save percentage (66.9), and winning percentage (.509) across 52 regular season matches, including 51 starts. Knighton is also the club’s all-time leader in games played in goal (13), games started in goal (13), and minutes played in goal (1,260) in U.S. Open Cup competition.
Off the field, the 2022 Revolution Humanitarian of the Year was a steady presence in the New England community. Knighton showed his steadfast support of countless charitable initiatives, most evident this season in his work with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Revolution Unified Team. A father of three, Knighton was consistently involved in the club’s efforts to support childhood cancer patients as a regular volunteer with Binkeez for Comfort and a mainstay on the club’s visits to local hospitals.
Knighton now transitions into a coaching role with the Revolution Academy, where he will lead the Under-17s in MLS NEXT competition. He obtained his U.S. Soccer “B” Coaching License during his playing career and has performed individual coaching for field players and goalkeepers throughout his career. Early in his playing career, Knighton served as an assistant coach for the Wheaton College women’s soccer team from 2007-09.
