For the last two seasons, the RailHawks’ goal has featured a two-man, game-by-game rotation.

That is not the plan this year.

Brad Knighton has solidified himself as the team’s No. 1 goalkeeper heading into the NASL season opener on Saturday against Puerto Rico at WakeMed Soccer Park. Caleb Patterson, who rotated games during the 2009 season with Eric Reed, returns to the RailHawks this season and will serve as Knighton’s backup.

“They’re both great, and they’ve both got potential to be much better,” said Carolina coach Martin Rennie. “I’m Interested to see how they push each other and how that will help them improve. Brad is going to be No. 1 and Caleb will challenge as the No. 2. But it’ll be up to them to work it out.”

Knighton comes to the RailHawks after four seasons in Major League Soccer. He was with New England In 2007-09, minus a five-week loan to Portland in 2008. The Revolution left him unprotected in the 2010 expansion draft, where Philadelphia claimed his rights. But in his four MLS seasons, Knighton saw time in just 14 games.

When he became available this offseason, Rennie went after him.

“He did well at New England and they didn’t want to lose him,” Rennie said. “I know the staff and they like him a lot and rated him highly. When I spoke to [Revolution coach] Steve Nicol about him, he said, ‘You should sign him if you can.’ All Nicol told me has been accurate.”

In surveying his options for 2011, Knighton felt Carolina was the best fit. He is from Hickory – three hours west of the Triangle – and played collegiately at UNC-Wilmington. In seven preseason games, Knighton has allowed just one goal.

While he was looking primarily for a spot that would allow him to see game action, the fact that Carolina’s goalkeepers have been among the league’s best under Rennie turned out to be an added bonus. During the last two seasons, Carolina goalkeepers have combined for a 0.845 goals against average and posted 25 shutouts in 60 regular-season matches.

“To be honest, I had no idea,” Knighton said when made of aware of past Carolina goalkeepers’ efforts. “ But it was a good opportunity. It was hard to turn down.Being in MLS for four years, I didn’t get many opportunities to play in games. I’m going to have the opportunity here to play in big games, and at my age, that’s what I need. It’ll be nice to get some games under my belt.”

Patterson returns to Carolina after playing for Miami FC (now the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers) in 2010. In his first stint with the RailHawks, Patterson went 7-3-5 in league play (8-5-5 in all competitions) and had 10 shutouts. His 0.533 goals against average still stands as a club record.

“For now, I’ve just come in to provide a bit of cover,” Patterson said. “I knew Brad was here, so I expect Brad to go ahead and start. If and when I get called, I’ll be ready…. I’ve always played well under Martin, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Sean O’Connor is also in the back in the goalkeeping mix. O’Connor played his first professional season in 2010 with Carolina. While the only game action he saw was 30 minutes in a friendly against Pumas last September, his energy and effort doesn’t go unnoticed in training or the changing room.

Regardless of who is manning the goal, though, the expectation is the same.

“We’re going to entertain our fans,” Knighton said.” We’ll put some goals in the back of the net and try not to concede many.”