Goalkeeper Ryan Meara will be loaned from the New York Red Bulls to New York City FC for the 2015 season, the teamsannounced today. As part of the loan consideration, NYCFC sent Expansion Draft selection Sal Zizzo to the Red Bulls on a permanent basis.
Meara, 24, is from Yonkers, New York, and is the career shutout leader at Fordham University in The Bronx, located about three miles from Yankee Stadium. He started 18 games and posted a 1.50 goals-against-average for the Red Bulls as a rookie in 2012.
"We are delighted to add a goalkeeper of Ryan's quality to our squad," New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis said in a club statement. "We elected not to take a goalkeeper in the Expansion Draft, so we're very happy to add one in this form with Ryan. He's big, agile, strong and very good with the ball at his feet. We're excited to keep him close to his hometown and add another New York personality to our roster for the inaugural season."
Meara has not played in an MLS game during the past two seasons while backing up Luis Robles, although he has seen regular action in the MLS Reserve League and US Open Cup play. Meara joins MLS veteran Josh Saunders as New York City FC goalkeepers.
"Ryan Meara is a very promising young goalkeeper and has great potential," Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh said in a club statement. "But due to the form of Luis Robles, Ryan was not getting enough competitive games, and this year-long loan deal will offset that problem. We'll be monitoring his progress with great interest."
A player on an intra-league loan may not compete against his former team during the MLS season and must remain with his new team for the entire season.
Zizzo, who will turn 28 in April, made 13 starts for Sporting Kansas City in 2014 before being selected in the Expansion Draft. He has contributed 11 regular-season assists during five injury-plagued MLS seasons, only once appearing in more than 20 games.
