Before attending UC Santa Barbara, Lochhead played with
Tauranga City United AFC of the
New Zealand National Soccer League. While enrolled in college, he appeared in 10 games for
USL Premier Development League team
Orange County Blue Star and scored one goal. Following his career at Santa Barbara, Lochhead was drafted 33rd overall in the
2005 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution. However, at that time he elected not to sign with MLS to trial with European clubs. While with
R.S.C. Anderlecht, Lochhead injured his ankle and returned to Santa Barbara for rehab. Lochhead made his Revolution debut on 30 April 2006 in a 2-1 home loss to the Chicago Fire. On 11 May 2007,
Wellington Phoenix FC of Australia's
A-League announced the signing of Lochhead on a two-year contract. In July 2008, news surfaced that Lochhead was on trial with English
Premier League side
Middlesbrough F.C. The next month, the
Teesside Gazette reported that Lochhead had returned to Wellington Phoenix. On 25 November 2009 Lochhead made his 50th appearance for Wellington Phoenix in their 6–0 win over
Gold Coast United FC and was the first Phoenix player to do so. On 9 June 2013, Lochhead was released after not being offered a new contract. In January 2014 it was announced that newly appointed head coach,
Wilmer Cabrera, had signed Lochhead to
Major League Soccer side
Chivas USA. The Chivas USA franchise folded at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
International career Lochhead represented New Zealand at
Under 17 and
under 23 level before making his full
All Whites debut in a 0–3 loss
Iran on 12 October 2003. He started every match for the team during
2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, and was included in the
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup squad. Lochhead continues to play for the New Zealand national team and helped the Kiwis qualify for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. On 10 May 2010, Lochhead was named in New Zealand's final 23-man squad to compete at the
2010 FIFA World Cup. ==Personal life==