New York Red Bulls announce that back-up goalkeeper Ryan Meara will stay with the team through the 2026 season with an option for 2027. Meara, the longest tenured Red Bulls player, has been with the team since the 2012 season but has mostly been a second option to Luis Robles and now Carlos Coronel. This extension means that head coach Sandro Schwarz will have a reliable back-up who has shown himself to be an incredible locker room leader.
“Ryan is an outstanding human being and a great leader,” said Schwarz. “We are really excited to have Ryan with us for the next season and we look forward to continuing to build off of our first season together.”
Meara was indispensable in 2024 as he made key starts against the likes of Inter Miami and DC United. Overall he made seven appearances in MLS competition while first string keeper Coronel was away on international duty during Copa America and World Cup qualifiers. Over that time he proved that he remains sharp with three clean sheets over that time.
Overall Meara’s career has been unique. While some keepers may have moved for a starting position on another team, the Fordam University alum decided to remain with Red Bulls and help to groom countless players as they adjust to the league and their own abilities. In 2016 he helped the New York Red Bulls II claim their first USL title by playing a majority of their games alongside young upstarts such as Tyler Adams and Aaron Long.
While he did attempt to make a move in 2015 with NYCFC, he returned to the Red Bulls where he has sharpened his skills and imparted his experience on numerous players that come through the academy and training ground.
“Ryan has meant a lot of the club over the years,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “In the matches he played in 2024, he was tremendous and is a great leader in our locker room that provides a great example to his teammates.”
photo by Matt Kremkau