Definitely has a strong American accent now.
Different to when you hear say Nellie speak, a guy who still eats his vowels.
https://youtu.be/23255HlbpVc
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/01/28/from-glenfield-to-minnesota-cameron-knowles-the-kiwi-coaching-in-the-mls/
Knowles’ football pathway began in Auckland, where he grew up on the North Shore and developed through the youth ranks at Glenfield Rovers.
Different to when you hear say Nellie speak, a guy who still eats his vowels.
https://youtu.be/23255HlbpVc
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/01/28/from-glenfield-to-minnesota-cameron-knowles-the-kiwi-coaching-in-the-mls/
Knowles’ football pathway began in Auckland, where he grew up on the North Shore and developed through the youth ranks at Glenfield Rovers.
He progressed through local club football and was selected for the New Zealand U-17 squad in 1999, but injury prevented him from playing in the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup, hosted by New Zealand.
He left for the United States, where he played college football for the University of Akron from 2001 to 2004. He captained the Zips and established a reputation as a reliable defender before turning professional.
His professional playing career included spells with Chicago Fire Premier, Real Salt Lake, Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact over a seven-year period.
After retiring from playing in 2011, Knowles shifted into coaching, initially joining the Portland Timbers’ staff in 2012.
He spent nine seasons with the Timbers organisation, forming part of the technical group that delivered the club’s MLS Cup title in 2015.
Knowles later took charge of Portland Timbers 2 in the USL Championship, gaining senior head coaching experience within a professional development environment.
His latest appointment followed a spell as Minnesota United’s interim head coach in 2024, in which he led the team to two wins and a draw in his first three games in charge.
Minnesota United’s captain is All Whites defender Michael Boxall (37), a central figure in the club’s evolution who joined them in July 2017. Boxall has made more than 230 appearances for the club in all competitions, the highest by any player in club history.
Minnesota United enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, finishing fourth in the Western Conference with 16 regular-season victories and 58 points.
The club advanced to the Conference semi-finals, recording one of the most consistent seasons in franchise history.
Cameron Knowles — career timeline
1990s — Developed through the youth ranks at Glenfield Rovers on Auckland’s North Shore.
1999 — Selected for the New Zealand U-17 men’s squad, earning youth international recognition.
2001–2004 — Played college football for the University of Akron, captaining the team during his senior season.
2005–2006 — Represented Chicago Fire Premier in the USL Premier Development League.
2006–2007 — Played for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.
2008–2010 — Represented Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact in the USL First Division.
2012–2020 — Joined Portland Timbers coaching staff, contributing to the club’s MLS Cup title in 2015.
2018–2020 — Served as head coach of Portland Timbers 2 in the USL Championship.
2021 — Appointed Minnesota United video analyst before transitioning into first-team coaching roles.
2024 — Named interim Minnesota United head coach, overseeing an unbeaten three-match MLS start.
2026 — Confirmed as Minnesota United head coach ahead of the new MLS campaign.
Other MLS coaches with New Zealand connections
Ryan Nelsen
Former All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen became head coach of Toronto FC in January 2013 after retiring from playing with Queens Park Rangers. He played for MLS club DC United from 2001-05.
Former All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen became head coach of Toronto FC in January 2013 after retiring from playing with Queens Park Rangers. He played for MLS club DC United from 2001-05.
Anthony Hudson
Former All Whites coach Anthony Hudson became head coach of the Colorado Rapids after his three-year stint with the New Zealand national team ended in 2017.
Former All Whites coach Anthony Hudson became head coach of the Colorado Rapids after his three-year stint with the New Zealand national team ended in 2017.
Neil Emblen
Neil Emblen, who coached the New Zealand U-23 side and was an assistant coach for the full national side, followed Anthony Hudson to the Colorado Rapids as an assistant coach in 2018.
Neil Emblen, who coached the New Zealand U-23 side and was an assistant coach for the full national side, followed Anthony Hudson to the Colorado Rapids as an assistant coach in 2018.
Darren Bazeley
Current All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley was an assistant coach at Colorado Rapids from 2017-19, working with Hudson and Emblen.
Current All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley was an assistant coach at Colorado Rapids from 2017-19, working with Hudson and Emblen.