Education
Ryan graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School.
Ryan graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School.
He then entered San Francisco State University where he played soccer during the 1975 season. Ryan then transferred to San Jose State University, finishing his soccer career with them. In 1979, he was captain of the United States. soccer team at the 1979 World University Games.
In 1979, the San Jose Earthquakes of the North American Soccer League drafted Ryan.
He played two outdoor seasons with the Earthquakes and one indoor season (1979–1980) on loan to the Detroit Lightning of the Major Indoor Soccer League. On May 22, 1981, the Earthquakes traded Ryan to the California Surf in exchange for Mark Lindsay.