HARRISON, NJ (Nov. 25, 2013) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that goalkeeper Ryan Meara is on a training stint with English club Charlton Athletic. Meara began training with the club today and will return to the United States Dec. 13.
“We think this is an excellent opportunity for Ryan to get extra work in the offseason and have the experience of training in another country,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “We were very pleased with how Ryan performed in training and with our reserves after returning from hip surgery this year, and we are looking forward to see him compete for a spot in our lineup in 2014.”
Meara just completed his second season in Major League Soccer. The 23-year-old from Yonkers, N.Y. was drafted by New York in the second round (31st overall) in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft out of Fordham University. He went on to become an early frontrunner for MLS Rookie of the Year, winning the starting goalkeeper job and posting a 9-5-4 record in 18 games before undergoing season-ending hip surgery on Aug. 23, 2012.
In 2013, Meara did not feature in any regular-season matches after returning from injury but did play in two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games. In MLS Reserve League play, Meara posted a 1.54 goals-against-average in nine starts.
Charlton Athletic, based in London, is currently in 21st place with 14 points in the English League Championship.
