This time of year always represents an emotional and reflective period for Red Bulls reserve goalkeeper Ryan Meara.
This year, Meara’s emotions are heightened because he is in the throes of the most important period of his professional career, having helped lead the Red Bulls to four consecutive U.S. Open Cup victories, which have propelled them into the Sept. 20 final in Kansas City.
Along the way, Meara has produced two shutouts and made a game-saving penalty-kick save in a win over Philadelphia. So the prospect of helping the Red Bulls capture the first cup in franchise history weighs heavily on Meara’s mind these days.