It’s been quite the busy time for Goalkeeper Brad Knighton. While most MLS players have been relaxing on vacation or getting ready for the season in the weight room, Knight has had a new baby girl to occupy his time. If he was a bit sour about his trade to the Vancouver Whitecaps, you could forgive him, However, Knighton is cheery as ever, albeit with a definite tone of fatigue in his voice. Knighton, who spent last season in Carolina playing for the Railhawks, is excited to be back in the MLS, and will unquestionably feel a whole lot more relaxed when his move is complete. For now, he’s happy that the Whitecaps have helped ease the transition to moving to a new country.

“It makes it easier in a way. Locating, moving all your things ,bank accounts, credit cards, cell phones, all that sort of stuff comes into play, and the Whitecaps have done a fantastic job reaching out to me and trying to help alleviate some of those concerns. “

The road to the Vancouver Whitecaps has been a strenuous one for Knighton, filled with changes of scenery. Undrafted by the MLS in 2007, Knighton had to make it the hard way, joining the New England Revolution on a try out basis. He played well enough to be given the third string job, and appeared to impress the New England management. They gave him a developmental contract, but he soon found himself in Portland in 2008.

From there, he went to Philadelphia, where he recorded a shutout in only his second start. However, the starting job slipped through his fingers, so he found himself in the North American Soccer league, playing with the Carolina RailHawks under head coach Martin Rennie. But more on that in a moment. Now, here he is, 26 years old and ready for a fresh start on the West Coast.

He’ll get that fresh start with a familiar face, as he’ll play for the aforementioned Rennie. For Knighton, coming into an expansion team that didn’t win a lot in their first season won’t be too difficult, as long as he has the right attitude.

“The main thing is coming in with a positive attitude. I think that brings confidence, and I think that brings a lot into a winning environment. The positive attitude is going to bring everyone's confidence up, and help everyone around you play a little better. Martin did a terrific job of that in Carolina, and I had even heard about that before I got there.”

When you speak to Knighton about Rennie, it’s impossible to not notice the enthusiasm when he speaks of Renne’s coaching ability. Working under Rennie isn’t about resting on laurels, its about showing up with a positive attitude and doing everything asked of you.

“Coming in with that positive mentality and just doing everything you can to help the team, that’s the system, and if everyone can buy into that mentality, that system, then the team can only get better.”

While Rennie is sure to have had a hand in this trade, Knighton is still unsure exactly what his role will be once training camp begins, having not had the opportunity to speak with Whitecaps management yet. One thing’s for sure, though; he’s  going to be ready to make an impact.

“I’m coming in there every single day to compete with Joe {Cannon}, and Brian {Sylvestre}, and my goal is to make the coaching staff have a difficult decision to make on the weekends. I want to work hard every day and never leave a practice wondering if I gave it my all, and if I do that, the cards will fall into place.”

Getting to know Brad Knighton

Favourite Movie?
Knighton: Anything with Will Ferrell in it.

Favourite TV Show?
Knighton: Top Gear.

Whats playing on your ipod right now?
Knighton: Avicii-Levels.

Clothing label?
Knighton: Polo