Julian Hall became the youngest player in league history to score a hat trick, leading Red Bull New York to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday evening, according to a May 17 statement.
Hall’s achievement is significant as it sets a new record for Major League Soccer and highlights the development of young talent within the league. At just 18 years and 50 days old, Hall’s performance drew praise from his coach and teammates.
“He comes in every day, ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen,” Head Coach Michael Bradley said. “He has great personality, he has really good starting points as a player, and I’ve enjoyed every second of working with him. We’re going to continue to challenge him, continue to push him, continue to find the right ways to help him improve. Obviously we’re really, really excited for him.”
The match saw New York open scoring early when Emil Forsberg set up Cade Cowell for an assist that led Hall’s first goal. The second came before halftime after Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty found Cowell again on the wing for another cross into Hall. The deciding goal occurred in the 79th minute following a corner kick from Rafael Mosquera that Gustav Berggren headed toward goal; after a save by Columbus’ keeper, Hall finished off his third goal.
Reflecting on his record-setting night, Hall said: “I’m not going to lie, I got kind of emotional, like it kind of just makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to make memories like this. I’m just really grateful and thankful for the guys that set me up and put me in great position.” With these goals—his seventh through ninth this season—he is now tied for fourth-most goals scored in MLS.
Cowell contributed two assists during the match and now has five this season; he is also tied for fourth-most assists league-wide this year. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made two saves during New York’s win.
The Red Bulls remain unbeaten in five of their last six matches across all competitions against Columbus. Looking ahead, New York will face rivals New York City FC on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium for their second derby matchup of the season.
