Bryan Meredith isn’t trying to prove himself.

At 21, he spends half his week playing goalkeeper for the Kitsap Pumas soccer club, while the remaining time is spent training with the Seattle Sounders, the team that drafted him last January.

And despite the Major League Soccer team’s decision to have Terry Boss and Josh Ford backup Kasey Keller at goalkeeper this season, leaving Meredith out, he has no qualms about playing soccer in Bremerton.

The rookie doesn’t mind catching the ferry to practice for Seattle, before making a name for himself with the Pumas.

“I didn’t come here expecting or not expecting anything, just open to see what it’s about,” Meredith said last week. “I’m not here to prove something, I’m just here to play.”

Meredith, who is originally from New Jersey, was selected as the No. 29 overall pick by the Sounders in the second round of the 2011 SuperDraft. He is a graduate of Monmouth University in his home state.

Last April, after losing the third goalkeeper spot for Seattle, he signed a one-year contract with the Pumas.

Meredith now divides his time between the two franchises, working two days a week with Keller, but he’s not thinking about playing for the Sounders yet, nor is he taking the field to impress anyone but himself.

“I’ve always done a good job of not looking past anything, because you never know when it will be your last game,” Meredith said. “After this season, you never know, we’ll see.”

So far, the undefeated Pumas (3-0-1) are thankful that Meredith is their starting goalkeeper in place of Dustyn Brim, who is sidelined with a back injury.

Meredith has allowed one goal (a penalty kick against Victoria) in four matches this season. He credits his early professional success to a perfectionist attitude and the occasional practice with Keller.

“I expect perfection out of everything I do,” Meredith said. “Nothing is perfect, I will always work on something, and that drives me when I’m on the field.”

Pumas head coach Peter Fewing said that Meredith’s quickness is one of his best qualities. The soccer coach is happy to share Meredith with Seattle, but for now, he wants the rookie guarding Kitsap’s net.

“His play is speaking volumes,” Fewing said. “You need goalies to have a big save in each game, and he’s done that for us.”

Fewing spoke with Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid last week, and both were encouraged about Meredith’s progression.

Seattle owns the rights to Meredith and could possibly sign the standout to a contract next year when Keller retires. Meredith’s agreement with Kitsap includes a one-year option.

“Seattle had a tough time deciding between Ford and Meredith, but for us to have Bryan here is great,” Fewing said. “He’s showing some great strides.”

Pumas goalkeepers coach James Ritchie also said Meredith has the potential to make the jump to the Sounders. He believes more training with the pro club will improve Meredith’s game as long as both teams don’t push him too hard.

“He’s going to have a great career, and he’s spent the last year with Kasey, so that must be fun,” Ritchie added. “We just don’t want him going too hard and suffering an injury.”

Brim, the Pumas’ starting goalkeeper in their first two seasons, is also an assistant coach. Meredith and Brim share the net at most practices, taking turns at blocking their teammates’ kicks. Brim said Meredith has adapted well, and he’s not sure if he’s introduced the rookie to any new lessons.

“I don’t know if I’ve taught him anything, except for little things to refine,” Brim said. “Bryan already has the right foundations, and it’s obvious that he has talent.”

Meanwhile, Meredith said he won’t look past the current week or daydream about the Sounders. He’s content with playing for the first-place Pumas, who play the Tacoma Tide Friday.

“I like it here,” Meredith added. “I’m happy to be a part of this club right now, and I’m not dying to go back to Jersey.”