Julian Hall and the Night MLS History Got a New Face
NEW YORK — In the 79th minute at Red Bull Arena, Julian Hall did something no 18-year-old had ever done in Major League Soccer.
He scored a hat-trick.
With the score tied at 2-2 and the clock winding down, the Manhattan-born forward stretched out his leg and steered the ball into the bottom corner, sparking pandemonium in the stands.
When the final whistle blew moments later, Red Bull had a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew — and MLS had a brand new record holder.
At 18 years and 50 days old, Julian Hall became the youngest player in league history to score a hat-trick.
Red Bull New York vs. Columbus Crew
Three Goals, One Statement
It wasn’t just any hat-trick. It was clinical, composed, and carried real weight.
The first goal came in the 7th minute, a calm finish off a precise cross from Cade Cowell.
The second arrived just before halftime with near-identical poise.
The third — the game-winner — was pure instinct: a corner kick, a saved header, and Hall reacting quickest to smash home the rebound.
Three goals. Three different types of finishes. One unmistakable message: this kid is different.
“I’m not going to lie, I got kind of emotional,” Hall said afterward.
“It makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to create memories like this. I’m just really grateful for the guys who put me in these positions.”
Bradley Sees Something Special
Head coach Michael Bradley, a man not prone to hyperbole when it comes to young players, could barely contain his excitement.
“He comes in every day ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen,” Bradley said.
“He has a great personality and really good starting points as a player. I’ve enjoyed every second working with him.”
“We’re going to keep challenging him and pushing him. We’re really, really excited for him.”
With nine goals already this season, Hall is tied for fourth in the MLS Golden Boot race.
For context: most players don’t reach that number in their entire rookie season.
Hall is doing it at 18.
What This Actually Means
In an era defined by global superstars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and others, nights like this carry special significance.
They remind us that MLS is not just importing talent — it is producing it.
Julian Hall is more than the latest promising prospect at Red Bull New York.
Right now, he is the clearest symbol yet that homegrown American superstars are emerging in this league.
A kid from Manhattan just rewrote the record books before he can legally buy a drink in most states.
And at only 18 years old, this feels like merely the beginning of something much bigger.