Julian Hall Makes MLS History with Record-Breaking Hat-Trick
Teenage forward Julian Hall has etched his name into Major League Soccer history books, becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in the league. The 18-year-old’s three-goal performance powered Red Bull New York to a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Hall, aged 18 years and 50 days, found the net twice in the first half and added a third after the interval. The hat-trick brings his season tally to nine league goals across 13 appearances, underscoring his rapid development as one of MLS’s most promising young talents.
The previous record was held by former FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi, who was 18 years and 196 days old when he scored a hat-trick against LA Galaxy in 2021.
A Historic Milestone for a Young Prodigy
Hall made his MLS debut at just 15 years old in 2023, signaling his potential from an early age. Born in New York, he has represented the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels. Through his mother, he is of Polish descent, making him eligible to represent Poland on the international stage as well.
Reflecting on his record-breaking achievement, Hall admitted the moment carried deep personal significance. “I got kind of emotional,” he said after the match. “It just makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to make memories like this.”
Head Coach Praises Hall’s Character and Work Ethic
Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley was effusive in his praise for the teenager, highlighting not just his on-field talent but his off-field attitude. “I’ve enjoyed every second of working with him,” Bradley said. “He’s a great kid. Nothing’s going in his head. He comes in every day ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen. He has great personality.”
Bradley’s comments underscore the disciplined mindset that has allowed Hall to thrive at such a young age in a competitive professional environment.
Eastern Conference Standings and Upcoming Derby
With the win, Red Bull New York sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, level on 18 points with local rivals New York City FC. The two sides are set to face each other on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 00:30 BST on Sunday. The derby promises added intensity given the teams’ identical records in the standings.
Messi Stars for Inter Miami, Denied Hat-Trick by Own Goal Ruling
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi delivered another standout performance, scoring two goals and providing an assist as Inter Miami defeated Cincinnati 5-3. The victory lifted Miami to second place in the table, two points behind leaders Nashville.
The 38-year-old Argentine thought he had completed the 61st hat-trick of his illustrious career late in the match. However, MLS officials ruled that the 89th-minute strike was an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The league stated that the ball rebounded off the post and was not initially crossing the line until Celentano made accidental contact, deflecting it into his own net.
Messi now has 11 goals and four assists in 12 league appearances for Miami this season. His overall career statistics stand at 909 goals and 411 assists across all competitions.
Cavan Sullivan Scores First MLS Goal
In another notable milestone for young talent in MLS, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first league goal for bottom-side Philadelphia Union, though the team fell 4-3 to Orlando City. Sullivan, who became the youngest ever MLS player two years ago, entered the match as a first-half substitute and found the net in the 75th minute.
Despite the defeat, Sullivan expressed gratitude for the personal achievement. “Despite it not being the result we wanted, I’m grateful to have scored my first MLS goal,” he wrote on Instagram. “You fans deserve more and you will get more.”
