Red Bull's Julian Hall makes MLS history in 4-2 win over FC Cincinnati

18-year-old striker continues electric start to the season, becoming youngest player to score 5+ goals in first 6 matches.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Red Bull New York defeated FC Cincinnati 4-2, with 18-year-old striker Julian Hall continuing his impressive start to the season. Hall scored the opening goal, becoming the youngest player in MLS history to score 5 or more goals in their first 6 matches of a season. The win came after a demoralizing 6-1 loss to Charlotte FC before the international break, which the team used as motivation to bounce back with a strong performance.

Why it matters

Red Bull's young squad, led by players like Hall, Mehmeti, and Donkor, have shown resilience and potential despite some early season struggles. The team's ability to rebound from a tough loss and make history demonstrates the exciting future of the club.

The details

In the 12th minute, Julian Hall opened the scoring to become the youngest player in MLS history to score 5 or more goals in their first 6 matches of a season. 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti was impressive once again, while 21-year-old Ronald Donkor provided an assist in midfield. The team used their previous 6-1 loss to Charlotte FC as motivation, with head coach Michael Bradley praising the players' hard work and engagement during the international break.

  • Red Bull lost 6-1 to Charlotte FC in their last match before the international break.
  • Julian Hall scored the opening goal in the 12th minute.

The players

Julian Hall

An 18-year-old striker for Red Bull New York who became the youngest player in MLS history to score 5 or more goals in their first 6 matches of a season.

Adri Mehmeti

A 17-year-old player for Red Bull New York who had another impressive performance.

Ronald Donkor

A 21-year-old midfielder for Red Bull New York who provided an assist in the match.

Michael Bradley

The head coach of Red Bull New York who praised his young squad's resilience and hard work following the previous loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“And the players were incredible. They worked so hard during the international break; they were so into it, so engaged. And now tonight, when we get our chance in front of everybody to show what we're about and make a real strong statement, that part was really good.”

— Michael Bradley, Head Coach

“Losing in Charlotte the way that we did before the international break, having to sit on that one for two weeks – that's not easy.”

— Michael Bradley, Head Coach

“I'm doing everything I can to stay in the squad. ...Even the message after Charlotte was onto the next. We all knew it didn't define us as a team. I'm just really happy, the boys bounced back.”

— Julian Hall

What’s next

Red Bull New York will look to build on this momentum as they continue their MLS season, with their next match scheduled for April 12th against the Seattle Sounders.

The takeaway

Red Bull's young squad has shown resilience and potential, bouncing back from a tough loss to make history. The team's ability to rebound and put on a strong performance demonstrates the exciting future of the club as they continue to develop their talented young players.