Julian Hall didn’t just step into the 2026 season — he announced himself. Two games, three goals, and one unmistakable message: Red Bull New York’s future isn’t coming someday. It’s already here.
At 17 years and 341 days, Hall has already made Major League Soccer history, becoming the youngest player ever to score in each of his club’s first two matches. But the numbers only tell part of the story. What’s happening in Harrison is bigger than one teenager’s breakout. It’s a philosophical shift, a tactical gamble, and the early stages of a youth‑driven identity that head coach Michael Bradley is building with conviction.
As the final whistle sounded at Red Bull Arena, the echoes of celebration were still fading when Hall jogged off the pitch with another match‑winner to his name. Two weeks into the new MLS season, the 17‑year‑old stands atop the league’s scoring chart, his third goal in two games sealing a gritty 1–0 victory over the New England Revolution in the club’s home opener.
For Hall — who only last year was tearing up the youth ranks while fighting for first‑team minutes — the spotlight doesn’t feel like a glare. It feels like an invitation.
“It’s always an honor to play in front of the fans,” Hall said, still catching his breath in the mixed zone. “Being at the top right now — it’s a great feeling. But I expect a lot more from myself. Hopefully there’s more good things to come this season.”
Julian Hall (16), who scored both goals for the Red Bulls, celebrates with Jorge Ruvalcaba during halftime of New York’s 2–1 victory over Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium on Feb. 21, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. Hall’s brace continued his breakout start to the season. Mandatory Credit: Getty Images.
Julian Hall celebrates the opening goal of the match against the New England Revolution, which stood as the game‑winner in Red Bull New York’s 1–0 victory during the 2026 home opener at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. Mandatory Credit: MLS.
2/21/2026 Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando FL., Julian Hall Celebrates a win after scoring two goals. Mandatory Credit: Red Bull New York
Julian Hall Celebration post match NY Red Bull
Credit: RBNY
2/21/2026 Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL., Julian Hall Scores two goals. Mandatory Credit: Red Bull New York
8/3/2025 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH. Julian Hall Celebrates his goal. Mandatory Credit New York Red Bulls
Red Bull New York head coach and U.S. Men’s National Team legend Michael Bradley embraces 17‑year‑old forward Julian Hall after another match‑winning performance. Hall scored the decisive goal—his third in two games—for the Red Bulls. Mandatory Credit: Red Bull New York.
A New Identity Under Bradley
Bradley didn’t ease into his first season in charge — he tore up the depth chart. Veterans like Eric Maxim Choupo‑Moting have opened the year on the bench while Bradley has handed the keys to a trio of teenagers: Hall, Adri Mehmeti (16), and Matthew Dos Santos(17).
The result? History.
In the 1–0 win over New England, the Red Bulls became the first team in MLS history to start three players aged 17 or younger who then combined directly for a goal. Hall scored it, but Mehmeti and Dos Santos were integral in the buildup. It wasn’t a youth movement — it was a youth takeover.
Bradley insists this isn’t a novelty act.
“They’re earning these minutes,” Bradley said after the match. “They bring energy, intelligence, and fearlessness. That’s the identity we want.”
Hall’s Composure Beyond His Years
Hall’s maturity has always been part of his profile, but this season he’s showing something different: command. His movement is sharper, his finishing more decisive, and his presence more authoritative.
He doesn’t play like a teenager trying to survive; he plays like a striker who expects to score.
That confidence was on full display in the opener against Orlando, where Hall scored twice and was named MLS Player of the Matchday 1 — a rare honor for any player, let alone one who can’t legally buy a beer.
League‑wide, the message is clear: Hall isn’t just good “for his age.” He’s one of the best players in MLS right now. Bradley credits not just their ability, but their mentality.
“They have football, and they have personality,” Bradley said. “They come every day ready to train, ready to work, ready to push themselves. As they’ve gotten opportunities, they’ve shown how good they are.”
Hall by the Numbers: 2026 Season Start
Statistic
Value
Notes
Goals
3
Co‑leads MLS as of March 1
Games Played
2
Started both matches
Minutes Played
177
—
Shots on Target
6
100% accuracy (6/6)
Key Milestones
2
Youngest to score in first 2 games; Matchday 1 Player of the Week
These aren’t the numbers of a prospect. They’re the numbers of a star in the making at Major League Soccer.
The Pressure of the Big Apple — and Why Hall Can Handle It
Playing in New York comes with expectations, scrutiny, and noise. Hall seems unfazed. Teammates describe him as calm. Coaches describe him as professional. Hall describes himself as hungry.
He’s not chasing hype; he is just focused on improving every day.
“I just want to help the team win,” Hall said after the New England match. “Everything else will come if I keep working.”
That mindset — paired with Bradley’s trust — is why the Red Bulls believe Hall can be the face of their next era.
A Team Built on Trust
Hall is quick to redirect praise toward the group.
“I wouldn’t be able to score without my teammates,” he said, highlighting the chemistry with wingers Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade, and midfield creators like Mehmeti. “The connection we all have—that’s what’s been different this year.”
That connection was on full display against New England. After a frustrating first half against the Revolution’s deep defensive block, Bradley’s halftime message was simple: stay patient. Hall and company responded with purpose, culminating in Hall’s alert finish off a set piece.
“I was just lurking around the back, being ready for whatever would happen—it landed in the right spot,” Hall said with a grin.
Embracing the Pressure — and Owning the Moment
Hall’s hunger to shoulder responsibility has not gone unnoticed. The 17‑year‑old has made it clear he wants the weight, the expectations, the noise — everything that comes with leading the line in New York.
Bradley appreciates the ambition but urges balance.
“Julian is an exciting young player with a lot of quality,” Bradley said. “He’s shown he can impact games in different ways. We believe he can raise the group’s level, but we also want to be smart and patient as he continues to grow.”
Hall echoes that duality — ambition with awareness.
“It’s been a good start, but there’s always more to come. Hopefully we do well for the rest of the season.”
Confidence Built in the Academy
Hall’s mindset was forged in the Red Bulls academy, where he, Mehmeti, and others were taught to play with conviction.
“We learned to play with the most amount of confidence possible,” Hall said. “The entire team shows a different type of confidence you don’t really see. That’s a big part of why we’ve been successful.”
That confidence is contagious — and it’s becoming a defining trait of this young Red Bulls side.
A Youth Revolution in Full Swing
Hall may be the headline, but he’s not alone. Mehmeti’s creativity and Dos Santos’ poise are already turning heads. Together, the trio represents something MLS hasn’t seen before: a team willing to build around teenagers, not just develop them.
If this is the future, it’s arriving faster than anyone expected.
“Not Fazed by Anything”
For Red Bull New York, the emergence of Hall and his fellow academy products is more than a storyline — it’s a reflection of the club’s identity.
“We want players, and we want a team, that has everything,” Bradley said. “The game’s too fast, too competitive to think skill alone is enough. You need mentality, personality, courage, resilience.”
Hall has all of that. And he’s showing it every time he steps onto the pitch.
“When I step on the field, I leave with no regrets,” Hall said. “Every day I give everything I have.”
The Dawg in Him — and the Road Ahead
There’s no denying it: Julian Hall has that Dawg in him. The talent, the mentality, the swagger, the willingness to carry a city that doesn’t wait for anyone.
Now comes the real test — maintaining this level as the season intensifies and the Red Bulls face bigger teams, bigger names, and bigger moments.
But right now? Julian Hall has captured the city’s attention. He’s captured the league’s attention. And he’s only getting started.
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Julian Hall isn’t easing into this season — he’s kicking the door in. Three goals in two games, a home opener decided by his instincts, and a 17‑year‑old carrying himself like the moment belongs to him. New York doesn’t do patience, and it doesn’t do quiet hype, but Hall isn’t asking for either — he’s asking for the pressure, the accountability, and the spotlight.
Want every boom and echo? Don’t miss our upcoming coverage — where we break down every ripple, every shockwave, and what it means for the season ahead.
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