Oughton played professionally in the United States for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew and represented New Zealand internationally.

He maintained a starting role for the Crew for the majority of his early career, in part due to his ability to play numerous positions in the midfield and defence.

In the 2009 MLS season, Oughton had been given the chance to be back in the first team and was rewarded with two straight starts, earning an assist.

He received his first cap in 2002 in a win over Tahiti in the Oceania Nations Cup and went on to make 25 appearances and score 2 goals in A-internationals.

[10] During the 2013 season, he left Columbus to join the staff of Toronto FC, where he serves as an assistant to former international teammate Ryan Nelsen.