Feb. 7, 2012
Article from Red Bulls Website
Harrison, N.J. -
It became official on Monday! Former Fordham goalie Ryan Meara (Crestwood, N.Y./Fordham Prep) became a professional, signing a contract with the team that drafted him last month, the New York Red Bulls. He joins former Rams great John Wolyniec as Fordham soccer players who went on to play for New York's Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.
Meara, a second-round draft pick by the Red Bulls, was the first goalie taken off the board at the recent MLS SuperDraft. He was the only selection made by the Red Bulls on draft day.
A four-year starter for Fordham, Meara's career culminated in 2011 with accolades that included earning the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as being named All A-10 First Team. He posted an 11-6-1 record while becoming the school's all-time leader in shutouts (31). Meara was part of a defense that recorded a pair of clean sheets against ranked opponents Xavier (#23) and Charlotte (#11), and he posted a career-low goals against average (0.65), while stopping an all-time best 12 shots in the season-ending win over Temple.
As for Atlantic 10 marks, Meara led the league in goals against average (0.65), shutouts (10) and save percentage (.862) this fall. He was also named to the NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Team following his senior season, the third time in his career he was honored by the region's coaches. Additionally, the senior was named All-A10 three times.
The Red Bulls didn't release the terms of the contract, but Meara is one of two goalies in camp and he has already begun training with the team.
"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."
Meara was the first of two goalies selected in the MLS SuperDraft and was the only representative from an Atlantic 10 conference team.
