Meara in net Saturday's Open Cup match-up against Cosmos

It's been a long time since Ryan Meara last made an appearance for the Red Bulls.

The last time the Fordham product saw playing time for the senior squad, it was last year's Open Cup debacle against the New England Revolution. Meara, who hurt himself in 2012 against the Revs -- and had his Rookie of the Year campaign derailed in the process -- was Wally Pipped out of his spot by Luis Robles come the next training camp.

Given the nature of the position, starts have been few and far between for the local kid.

But he'll get his chance Saturday against the Cosmos, according to Empire of Soccer's Dave Martinez.

Head Coach Mike Petke told Martinez...

"It's something that we talked about a lot," he continues. "We have two goalkeepers here who are so good, but unfortunately, there is only one position for a goalie on the field.

"As far as his attitude goes, unless I'm missing something, or unless he's sneaking around and being conniving - and I'm saying this because I know he's not - he's [had] a great attitude. Ryan's a good kid. He's a local boy. He's a team player. As Much as he should be angry from a competitive standpoint, he understand what's going on right now."

It sounds a bit like Meara was promised the Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League, with Robles carrying the bulk of the league games, but that's pure speculation.

And not that there's anything wrong with that sort of arrangement. Meara is a solid goalkeeper, if not still a bit young. Meanwhile, Robles can stake a case for Goalkeeper of the Year.

Regardless, it'll be good to see Meara in net again.

Thoughts?