If the MLS season were to end today, few could argue that New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara has been the top rookie of the 2012 class.
Meara has performed consistently well through the first half of his first year as a professional, avoiding the type of blunders that are associated with young goalkeepers while playing every minute for a Red Bulls team fighting for first place in the Eastern Conference. He has looked like a veteran in several games, and his composure and ability have been magnified by the constant changes across the Red Bulls' injury-plagued defense.
That is why Meara has won SBI's Mid-season MLS Rookie of the Year award. The 21-year-old goalkeeper out of Fordham continues to provide a steady presence in goal for the Red Bulls despite not having any veteran to learn from, and he looks to be one of the more promising young netminders in MLS.
Chosen as the top rookie by a vote of SBI staff members, Meara won the award ahead of Chicago Fire defender Austin Berry and D.C. United midfielder Nick DeLeon. Berry and DeLeon finished in second and third place, respectively, in SBI voting.
What do you think of Meara taking SBI's Mid-season MLS Rookie of the Year award? Agree? Expecting him to continue to play this well for the remainder of the campaign?
Share your thoughts below.