When Bryan Meredith returned to practice without a limp last Monday, Kitsap Pumas head coach Peter Fewing knew what was next.

The rookie goalkeeper was not going to miss the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. After all, it’s typical for the New Jersey native to show grit at the right moment, Fewing said after Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Real Colorado at Bremerton Memorial Stadium.

“He’s New York tough,” he added. “I knew he would be ready. He wasn’t going to miss this.”

Meredith suffered an ankle strain during the Pumas’ 2-1 win against Washington June 8. The team’s doctor said Meredith would miss two to four weeks. The standout goalkeeper from New Jersey was ready by the 13th day.

“There was no doubt whatsoever,” said Meredith, referring to his status for the second-round match. “I played pretty injured in college and I’m a tough guy.”

The Pumas provided Meredith with an orthotic insole for his shoe that kept the injured ligament in place, Fewing said, allowing the goalie to remain pain-free. Meredith trained for one day before the second round.

“It’s all healed up now,” Meredith said. “I’m good to go.”

The Monmouth University (New Jersey) graduate showed a little rust in the first half, he said, allowing a goal to the Foxes in the 22nd minute.

League opponents have scored four goals in eight games against Meredith, who is a candidate for Rookie of the Year in the Premier Development League.

After Real Colorado tied the game at 1-1, Meredith warmed up and didn’t allow another goal.

“You could tell I had missed time out there,” Meredith said. “Luckily, I was able to play, and it got better in the second half for sure.”

After eliminating Real Colorado, the Pumas advance to play the Seattle Sounders in the third round.

The Major League Soccer franchise selected Meredith as the No. 29 overall pick in the second round of the 2011 SuperDraft.

Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid attended the match in Bremerton Tuesday, but Meredith said he focused on the game.

“I knew he was there,” said the 21-year-old goalie. “I don’t really think about it, I just play.”

Meredith trains two days a week with the Sounders, and can still work with the Seattle team this week, Fewing said. However, the coach added that both teams will need to work out a new schedule for Meredith in preparation for Tuesday.

“He’ll still train with the Sounders, but it’s going to be interesting,” Fewing said.