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Injuries are always a bummer, of course. But look at what a summer injury took away from Ryan Meara.

He was enjoying an excellent season at Red Bull Arena, probably headed toward a Rookie of the Year award.

From his first moments in Red Bulls goal, the Larry Bird doppelganger looked like anything but a rookie (and an unknown rookie at that).

Coming out of Fordham – hardly a known producer of soccer talent – no one could have seen the season Meara began building last March. Usually looking composed, Meara posted a 9-5-4 record in 18 starts and set a rookie record for consecutive scoreless minutes, 321 from April 28 to May 19 during a five-game winning streak.

His season ended in August, however, due to a hip injury.

The club rewarded their young goalkeeper with a new contract Tuesday; details were not released.

He could still have competition; the club needed some time to settle in with Luis Robles, but the former national team prospect performed well down the stretch for New York.