The Red Bulls have re-signed young goalkeeper Ryan Meara to a new contract, and a well-deserved raise.
“Ryan, a local boy, has impressed our coaching staff and has the potential to be a top goalkeeper,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “He is recovering well from his injury problem and should be fully fit to join the first team squad in preseason training. We are delighted to sign him on a new contract.”
It was well-earned. Meara – a Yonkers native and Fordham grad – was one of MLS’ biggest bargains last year as a rookie, earning just around the league minimum of $40,000. But despite being just a second-round pick, he played well enough in preseason to convince the Red Bulls not to sign an expensive veteran, and trust him with the starting job.
An early contender for MLS Rookie of the Year before undergoing season ending hip surgery on Aug. 23, Meara had a strong first professional campaign. After being drafted 31st overall, he started in 18 games for New York, recording a 9-5-4 record and a 1.50 goals against average despite the Red Bulls defense being in abysmal disarray early in the year.
He set the shutout record earlier this year for a rookie goalkeeper, not conceding a goal in 321 minutes while helping the Red Bulls to a five-match winning streak from April 28 to May 19. He was impressive enough to get a call-up from the Irish U-21 team, one that Red Bulls blocked him from taking.
Now, as he returns from injury, the Red Bulls find themselves strong at the position. Luis Robles, another American keeper who has Bundesliga experience, started down the stretch and was arguably their best player in the postseason.