Mike Watts

Top Seeded Rangers Will Live Up to Their Billing

5.14.12 at 2:34pm by Mike Watts

It wasn’t easy in the first two rounds. Only the No. 8 seed next to the Ottawa Senators’ name in the playoff bracket would make you think they weren’t capable of giving the Rangers a series. The Sens came hard, and the Rangers skated away with a gritty seventh game win at the Garden. The second round was a matchup with the seventh-seeded Washington Capitals, a new look team with a defensive mindset that didn’t exactly match up with their personnel. Still, the Capitals brought the Rangers to another decisive seventh game, which the Blueshirts would skate away with on their home ice. No, it certainly wasn’t a breeze getting through the first two rounds.

Not Just Rookies Getting the Job Done in NY

5.13.12 at 3:17pm by Mike Watts

Give some credit to the New York Red Bulls. They won again without Thierry Henry (hamstring), Rafa Marquez (due back from suspension by injured his ankle in training), Stephen Keel (back sprain), Teemu Tainio (right knee sprain) and Wilman Conde (left groin sprain). Somehow they found a way to win starting rookies at three back line positions. I hardly imagined New York picking up three points against the Houston Dynamo with a lineup featuring a 5’5” rookie left back (Connor Lade), a center back with 225 minutes of playing time in the MLS (Tyler Ruthven), a four year pro who never seemed to latch on with D.C. United (Brandon Barklage), and a rookie keeper fresh out of college (Ryan Meara). Admit it, you didn’t expect a win either. And even if you did think they would manage to pull out a victory, you had to know it would come in another 1-0 affair.

Ryan Meara: A Local Product

3.14.12 at 11:00am by Mike Watts

For several years, Ryan Meara (MARE-uh) never seemed to make much of an effort to correct people when they mispronounced his name. He let his play on the soccer pitch do the talking for him. What the six foot five goalkeeper may lack in off field assertiveness, he more than makes up for with numerous jaw dropping saves and a natural ability to lead on the pitch. The 2011 Atlantic Ten Defensive Player of the Year makes his debut as the starting keeper for the New York Red Bulls when RBNY opens its season on the road against FC Dallas on Sunday afternoon.

Fordham Goalie Ryan Meara Drafted by NY Red Bulls

1.16.12 at 2:33pm by Amit Badlani

Earlier this week, Fordham's Goalie Ryan Meara was drafted by the NY Red Bulls with the 31st pick in the MLS Super Draft. Mike Giandomenico and Ricky Cibrano were joined by Fordham Soccer play-by-play commentator Mike Watts to discuss his play during the season. A cut from Mack Rosenberg's interview with Ryan Meara is in the segment.