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Being a backup might seem like an easy job but it can be quite difficult.
After spending a lot of time collecting dust on the bench, a player can be thrust into action and expected to perform at a high level right away.
For Brad Knighton he has had some time to prepare for his next entrance into the starting XI. With Matt Turner getting his second international call up of the 2021 MLS regular season, the veteran goalkeeper has had some time to get ready for his second stint of extended playing time.
The first go around didn’t start too well. In his first start, Knighton misjudged a bouncing ball and left the goal empty for Toronto FC to get the first goal of the game after firing their head coach.
Revolution fans were quickly begging for Turner to come back to MLS play, but after a rough start, Knighton was able to pull it together. He started five games recording two clean sheets and boasting a record of 4-1-0.
Knighton told The Bent Musket that he has known for a little bit that it was likely Turner got called into the United States Men’s National Team for World Cup Qualifiers. This has given him some time to prepare to step into the starting XI.
“I’ve been prepping since I last played to get another game,” he said. “Just doing the small things right during the week and hopefully everything comes to fruition on Friday night and we go in there and get a result.”
Besides the looming absence of Turner, the Revolution will also be without Adam Buksa and Tajon Buchanan. Also while Carles Gil is training, his status for Friday’s game is still unknown.
But Knighton said that the Revs are ready and that they are used to missing some players.
“Yeah, you know with the way the games have come thick and fast, three games a week, everyone’s gotten minutes, everyone’s received minutes in games and been able to step up in those situations,” said Knighton. “Hopefully that’s the same way on Friday night when guys are missing.”
Revolution fans will be anxious to see if Knighton can hold down the fort while Turner is away. Going up against the Philadelphia Union will be quite the test.