Ryan grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he played soccer with Frankford High School.

He maintained his amateur status which led to his selection to the national team at the 1928 Summer Olympics.

The German-Americans won the 1934-1935 ASL championship and the 1936 National Challenge Cup.

Ryan also played with the Pennsylvania All Stars in May 1931 against Glasgow Celtic during the Scottish team's first North American tour.

He did not play for the U.S. again until the 1934 FIFA World Cup when he was part of the 7–1 loss to Italy.