Goalkeeper saves two penalties in shootout, credits Pokemon Go

When it comes to journeymen goalkeepers, not many fit the archetype better than Brad Knighton.

The 31-year-old North Carolina-native has made the rounds in American soccer. He’s played in the North American Soccer League (NASL), United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Premier Development League. He’s had four different stints in MLS with three different teams. He’s currently the backup for the New England Revolution.

So how does such a seemingly ordinary keeper become extraordinary for one night? Pokemon Go, of course.

Knighton saved two penalty kicks for the Revolution in Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal shootout victory over the Philadelphia Union.

Afterwards, he revealed his inspiration:

“I knew it was going to be a good day today,” Knighton said. “I woke up and went for a walk and ended up finding Pikachu.”

Knighton was mobbed by his teammates after the Revs converted the winning penalty:

Sure, Knighton had a sheet of paper that listed the tendencies of all the Union’s players. But the outcome of the shootout was decided on his morning walk.

Pokemon Go, paving the way for analytics in soccer one Pikachu at a time.