Knowles, 28, played 77 games with the Portland Timbers in North American second division between 2007 and 2010. He was one of three finalists for the Defender of the Year award and was named to the All-League First Team in 2007, then to the All-League Second Team in 2008 and 2009. He also helped the Timbers win the playoff championship in 2009. A native of Auckland, in New Zealand, Knowles did not play much in the last two seasons after fracturing his shinbone, on Aug. 12, 2009, at Saputo Stadium.
He was drafted by Real Salt Lake in the fourth round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft and tallied 346 minutes in four matches that year in MLS. Former Akron Zips player, Knowles also played in the USL Premier Development League for Chicago Fire Premier in 2004.
“He’s been a top defender in our league and we needed help at this position,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. “He worked hard to get back on the pitch and he is now motivated in returning to the level he was a few seasons ago. He’s strong in the air and is an excellent communicator on the field.”
With the addition of Cameron Knowles, the Impact has now 25 players on its roster.
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