New York Red Bulls Vs. New England Revolution, 2012 MLS: Ryan Meara Gets First Career Shutout

Let it be known that the New York Red Bulls registered their first shutout of the season while fielding a defense that was led by a rookie goalkeeper, featured two defenders who were making their first starts of the season and another one who was making his second start. In fact, their most experienced starting defender was Markus Holgersson, a 27-year-old Swede who had struggled significantly this year.

But against a New England Revolution team that had scored just five goals in their first six matches, the Red Bulls were able to ride 7th minute Thierry Henry goal to a 1-0 victory on Saturday. That was Henry's league-leading ninth goal, as he was able to beat Stephen McCarthy to the pass and chipped Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis on his first touch from about 20 yards out. Henry, though, had to leave the match in the 25th minute with what the team called a right hamstring strain. After the game, Red Bulls coach Hans Backe called it "a disaster for us."

Luckily for the Red Bulls, Meara made sure that wasn't the only thing people would be talking about after the game. Meara was credited with five saves, the biggest of which came in stoppage time when he dove to his left to knock away a Lee Nguyen attempt that seemed destined for the far post. Meara also robbed Benny Feilhaber twice in the second half, once on a free header from about 5 yards out.