New York’s Longest-tenured Player Signs New Deal
HARRISON, N.J. (December 20, 2019) – The New York Red Bulls have signed Yonkers native Ryan Meara to a new MLS contract, the club announced today. Meara, New York’s second-round pick from the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, is the club’s longest-tenured player.
“We are pleased to reach agreement on a new contract with Ryan,” said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “Ryan is our longest-tenured player and he has been a true professional throughout his career. He is one of our leaders in our locker room, and we are expecting big things from him this season.”
Meara, 29, made an immediate impact as a rookie when he was drafted in 2012. The New York native earned the No. 1 role in preseason and started 18 games. He posted 9-5-4 record and 1.50 goals-against-average, while setting the shutout record for rookie goalkeeper, tallying 321 shutout minutes.
“Ryan is the type of player you love to coach,” said head coach Chris Armas. “Ryan is a leader, winner, and has earned the respect of the locker room. We look forward to working with him and seeing him take the next step in his career."
Meara underwent season-ending hip surgery on August 23 during his rookie season where Luis Robles took over the starting role for the next seven seasons. As the primary backup for New York over the next six seasons, he went 2-1-1 in regular season play when called on for a spot start. Meara most notably helped the Red Bulls to the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final, tallying two shutouts in five matches, including a career-best seven-save performance with a penalty-kick save in the PK round against Philadelphia in the Round of 16.
“I couldn’t be happier to extend my stay with the Red Bulls,” Meara said. “This is the club that drafted me in 2012 and I’ve loved every second of my time here. Between the employees of the club, fans, staff and teammates I really feel like the Red Bulls are a second family to me. We have high expectations for the 2020 season and I can’t wait to get started.”
Transaction: New York Red Bulls sign Ryan Meara to a new MLS contract on Friday, December 20, 2019
Ryan Meara
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-4
Date of Birth: November 15, 1990
Birthplace: Crestwood, New York
Hometown: Crestwood, New York
Years of MLS Experience: Eight seasons (Seven with RBNY, one on loan)
