Raised in Hickory, NC, Knighton began his time with the Union as a backup goalkeeper, making his first MLS appearance under Nowak's instructions at FC Dallas on August 8, 2010. He played a total of 21 minutes before getting ejected on a straight red card.
On September 11, 2010, Knighton earned the starting goalkeeper job, after earning a shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire. In his first year with Philadelphia, Knighton started eight games in goal, logging a total of 652 minutes. He also accounted for 180 scoreless minutes against international powerhouses Celtic FC, Manchester United and Chivas de Guadalajara in his first year with the club, including the full 90 minutes against Chivas.
Knighton started eight games for expansion Union.
For more information about Philadelphia Union, please visit Philadelphia Union.com.
(Copyright 2010 Philadelphia Union. Reprinted by permission)
