Julian Hall has etched his name into Major League Soccer history, becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick. The 18-year-old forward achieved the milestone in Red Bull New York’s 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.
Hall’s Record-Breaking Performance
Hall, aged 18 years and 50 days, found the net twice in the first half and once in the second at Sports Illustrated Stadium. His hat-trick brings his tally to nine league goals in 13 appearances this season. The previous record was held by Ricardo Pepi, who was 18 years and 196 days old when he scored a hat-trick against LA Galaxy in 2021.
Hall made his MLS debut at the age of 15 in 2023. Born in New York, he is of Polish descent through his mother. He has represented the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels and is also eligible to play for Poland internationally.
Emotional Reaction and Coach’s Praise
Following the game, Hall expressed his emotions upon learning about his record. He said he “got kind of emotional” and that it made him think about all the hard work he put in. Head coach Michael Bradley praised the teenager, saying he has enjoyed “every second” of working with him and calling him “a great kid”.
Bradley added that Hall comes in every day ready to work, train, and listen, and that he has a great personality.
Messi’s Continued Impact and Other MLS Action
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided an assist in Inter Miami’s 5-3 victory over Cincinnati. Inter Miami are now second in the table, two points behind leaders Nashville. Messi thought he had scored his 61st career hat-trick late on, but the MLS attributed the 89th-minute strike as an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
- The MLS said the ball had rebounded off the post.
- It said that it was not initially crossing the line until Celentano made accidental contact.
- Effectively turning the ball into his own net.
Messi now has 11 goals and four assists in 12 league appearances for Miami this season, bringing his overall career statistics to 909 goals and 411 assists.
In other news, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first MLS goal in Philadelphia Union’s 4-3 defeat by Orlando City. Sullivan, who became the youngest ever MLS player two years ago, was a first-half substitute and scored in the 75th minute.
Red Bull are sixth in the Eastern Conference, level on 18 points with New York City, with the local rivals facing each other on Saturday.