By now, you may have heard that Red Bull New York surprised many on Saturday night with a statement win over Orlando City SC. You may have also heard that 17-year-old forward Julian Hall balled out.
With two goals in the first half, Hall was outstanding for New York. However, some fans pregame questioned why head coach Michael Bradley excluded designated player Eric Choupo-Moting from the starting eleven on Saturday.
After watching the match, it’s obvious that Hall fits well into what Bradley is trying to do. It also appears Hall’s play has grown substantially since the end of the 2025 season.
Make no mistake, Choupo-Moting is an excellent striker, as shown throughout his career. But, the pace and quickness of Hall allows the attack to compete at another level. Add on new signees Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell on the wings and after one match, the attack looks great.
Because of Hall’s incredible effort, the youngster was named to MLS Team of the Matchday on Monday alongside young midfielder, Adri Mehmeti.
“It’s easy to forget how young [Hall] still is, because he’s been a professional for a few years, but he has really, really big qualities, and we’ve got to keep pushing him so that he can take the next step,” praised Bradley following Saturday’s win.
After a stellar start for the kid from Manhattan, could the 2026 season be a breakout campaign for him?
Since his first MLS match with Red Bull in 2023, Hall has steadily built his confidence on and off the pitch. During the team’s Media Day and Saturday’s postgame press conference, Hall was enthusiastic and lively with reporters. He also appeared to be more comfortable with the people around him.
That comes with age and being around older teammates who can help one’s development from a talent standpoint and a personal standpoint.
On the pitch, especially in 2025, the forward received more vital minutes for his growth. In those minutes, he was able to convert goals in contests which included New York City FC, and C.F. Monterrey in the Leagues Cup. Hall also started in a few other matches throughout 2025, allowing him to gain valuable experience.
That experience and confidence, mixed with young players around him and Bradley’s system, has allowed Hall to start 2026 off well. With all that working, Hall can no doubt have a fantastic season.
The upcoming schedule is favorable for Hall to do great things. The New England Revolution’s backline suffered against an explosive Nashville SC squad on Saturday and CF Montréal has a USL-type roster. Both matches are also at home too.
Say Hall has one to two goals during that two match homestand. That undoubtedly boosts his trust in himself, but also allows HC Bradley to trust in him even more in crucial situations.
If there was anything to take away from last Saturday’s win over Orlando, it’s that the team’s youth has potential. Even if Choupo-Moting starts and Hall comes off the bench in future matches, Hall has to feel happy with his play.
Clubs elsewhere in the world have shown interest in Hall at various points. But right now, Hall is in line to do incredible things for New York this season if Saturday’s match was an indication of that.
