HARRISON, NJ - The New York Red Bulls have announced today that goalkeeper Ryan Meara has been loaned to New York City FC ahead of the 2015 season. In exchange, the New York Red Bulls will receive midfielder Sal Zizzo from New York City FC on a permanent basis as well.
"Ryan Meara is a very promising young goalkeeper and has great potential," said Andy Roxburgh. "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 intraleague loan may not compete against his former team during the MLS season (includes MLS games and all other competitions) and must remain with his new team for the entire season.
Meara spent the last three seasons with the Red Bulls after being drafted by the club in the second round (31st pick) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. The Fordham University product made 18 appearances in his first season in 2012, posting a 9-5-4 record with three shutouts and 1.50 goals against average before needing season-ending hip surgery in August.
Meara did not make a regular-season appearance in the 2013 and 2014 seasons but started in New York's three U.S. Open Cup games (2013 and 2014) and all four CONCACAF Champions League games in 2014.
Zizzo was chosen by New York City FC in Wednesday's expansion draft from Sporting Kansas City. The midfielder has spent five seasons in MLS with Chivas USA, the Portland Timbers and most recently Sporting Kansas City.
Zizzo has made 89 total appearances (42 starts) in his career and has scored two goals while recording 11 assists. The midfielder made 19 appearances (13 starts) for Sporting Kansas City in 2014 and recorded three assists.