In a rare break from protocol, New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke revealed part of his lineup plans for this weekend’s much anticipated U.S. Open Cup match against the New York Cosmos.

Starter Luis Robles will sit out the encounter — and Ryan Meara will earn his first start of the year.

“One-hundred percent,” Petke said when asked if Meara would earn a start.

The spot start will not only be Meara’s first of the season — it will also be his first start in a year. The Fordham product last featured between the sticks on June 12th, 2013 in a 4-2 loss against the New England Revolution in the Open Cup. It was his second stint of action that season following a third round victory over Reading United in the same tournament.

This will be a rare chance for Meara to show his skill — on quite the unique stage.

“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.”

Meara broke out as the Cinderella story of 2012. The Red Bulls entered the season without a proven goalkeeper. Their 31st pick in the MLS SuperDraft became the default choice between the sticks.

Instead of folding under pressure, the Yonkers product excelled, featuring in 18 games, and leading the club to an unlikely 9-5-4 record.

An unfortunate hip-injury sustained against New England put an end to his season — and left his career in question.

After a lengthy recovery, Meara returned to action last season, but found it impossible to break through with a red-hot Luis Robles guiding the team to the Supporters’ Shield.

“I’m sure most people who follow our team, whether it be supporters or you guys in the media, if you’re intelligent enough, you understand that Ryan’s lack of playing time has nothing to do with him as a player or how he has done in training,” Petke said. “Obviously it has to do with [that] he’s sitting behind right now one of the hottest if not the hottest goalkeeper in the league.

“Goalkeepers are different beasts as opposed to a left back, or a striker or a center midfielder where you can make that one change once in a while to give an opportunity. With a goalkeeper, you have to keep riding that streak and Luis has been doing that.

“Part of me feels terrible for Ryan because I think he is a phenomenal goalkeeper,” he continues. “He has such a future. But at this moment he is behind somebody who is doing extremely well.”

Meara’s patience will be rewarded, featuring in one of the most highly anticipated U.S. Open Cup matches in recent memory.

“He’s looked very good in training. Very good in training,” Petke said. “For sure, the Cosmos game is a great opportunity for him.”