In a candid moment, Red Bulls Coach Hans Backe admitted veteran journeyman Bill Gaudette has been impressive enough to challenge for a starting spot with the team.

Taking the declaration at face value, that would put Ryan Meara, who has had an outstanding rookie season between the pipes for New York, in an unexpected, injury induced competition for his starting job.

“Let’s see now,” the boss said. “Meara still has a problem with his hips. We will just have to wait and see how he can bounce back, but definitely Billy will be a possibility or choice for first goal.”

Speaking to EoS last week, Meara was fairly confident that he would be taken into consideration for the start against Montreal. That did not come to pass.

Knowing Hans Backe’s track record, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that a switch can happen. Remember just last year – Bouna Coundoul was the undisputed starter for the team, compiling an impressive early season record for the team. One bad match was all it took for Backe to give veteran netminder Greg Sutton the nod – and the vote of confidence – as the teams starting keeper.

Can history repeat itself? With both players in relatively good health, and Backe’s penchant for veteran starters, it looks like a battle will ensue for the starting position between the traveled veteran and the storied rookie.

That brings us to this week’s two part poll question: Should Ryan Meara’s spot be up for grabs and Who would you prefer as the team’s primary netminder?

Share your vote and your take with us after the jump: