HARRISON, NJ (Feb. 6, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they have reached an agreement to sign newly acquired rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara to a contract.
“Ryan is a talented, young goalkeeper who we think can develop into a solid contributor,” said New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “We are happy to sign him to his first professional contract and also content to bring in another local player to the first team.”
The Red Bulls drafted Meara out of Fordham University with the 31st overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. The Crestwood, NY native enjoyed an impressive career at Fordham, registering 31 shutouts in 74 total appearances for the school. In 2011, Meara posted a .862 save percentage which ranked sixth overall in the NCAA Division I and surrendered just 0.65 goals per game on the way to being named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and All-Atlantic 10 Conference First Team. In 2010, Meara played for the Newark-based Jersey Express S.C. of the Premier Development League and was voted the league’s goalkeeper of the year. Meara was born in Yonkers, NY.
Ryan Meara
Position: Goalkeeper
Pronunciation: MARE-uh
Height: 6-4
Weight: 185 pounds
Day of Birth: Nov. 15, 1990 in Crestwood, NY
Hometown: Crestwood, NY
College: Fordham University
How Acquired: Drafted in the second round (31st overall) in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 12, 2012. Signed on Feb. 1, 2012.
