The New York Red Bulls announced last week that it signed Crestwood (N.Y.) native and former Fordham University standout goalkeeper Ryan Meara.
“Ryan is a talented, young goalkeeper who we think can develop into a solid contributor,” said New York Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “We are happy to sign him to his first professional contract and are also content to bring in another local player to the first team.”
Meara was drafted 31st overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. He recorded 31 shutouts in 74 appearances and in 2011, posted a .862 save percentage, which was sixth overall in the NCAA Division I. Meara was one of two new goalkeepers that will be a part of the 2012 Red Bulls; the club also recently signed Jeremy Vuolo, 25, from Downingtown (PA), who spent the past year with Finnish club AC Oulu after a year at Syracuse University.
“After doing extensive scouting, we believe that Jeremy has a very bright future ahead of him and can compete at the MLS level,” said Soler. “He had a very good year playing professionally in Finland and brings many great attributes to the table. We expect that he will compete for a starting spot this year.”
The Red Bulls open the 2012 regular season on Sunday, March 11 at FC Dallas’ Pizza Hut Park at 3:00 p.m. The home-opener will be on Sunday, March 25 versus the Colorado Rapids at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.
