Julian Hall, Red Bulls too much for FC Cincinnati in 4-2 win

New York Red Bulls end three-match winless streak with victory over FC Cincinnati

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:49am

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Julian Hall scored his fifth goal of the season, Emil Forsberg and Mohammed Sofo also found the back of the net, and the New York Red Bulls defeated FC Cincinnati 4-2 on Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey. The Red Bulls entered the game with just five goals on the season, four of them from 18-year-old Hall. Cade Cowell had a strong performance, recording an assist and inducing an own goal. Pavel Bucha and Kyle Smith scored for Cincinnati, who had numerous chances late but ultimately fell short.

Why it matters

This victory ends a three-match winless streak for the Red Bulls, who are looking to bounce back after a slow start to the season. For FC Cincinnati, the loss continues their struggles as they sit at 2-4-0 on the year, searching for more consistency.

The details

The Red Bulls took a 2-1 lead early in the second half on Forsberg's free kick goal. Cowell then set up Hall's goal, which was deflected into the net by a Cincinnati defender. Smith pulled one back for Cincinnati, but Sofo's late insurance goal sealed the win for New York.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Hall scored his fifth goal of the season in the 12th minute.
  • Bucha equalized for Cincinnati in the 17th minute.
  • Forsberg put the Red Bulls ahead 2-1 in the 48th minute.
  • Cowell's play led to an own goal in the 66th minute.
  • Smith scored for Cincinnati in the 72nd minute.
  • Sofo added an insurance goal for New York in the 93rd minute.

The players

Julian Hall

An 18-year-old forward for the New York Red Bulls who scored his fifth goal of the season in the game.

Emil Forsberg

A midfielder for the New York Red Bulls who scored the go-ahead goal in the 48th minute.

Mohammed Sofo

A forward for the New York Red Bulls who scored an insurance goal in the 93rd minute.

Cade Cowell

A midfielder for the New York Red Bulls who recorded an assist and induced an own goal.

Pavel Bucha

A midfielder for FC Cincinnati who scored their first goal in the 17th minute.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Cincinnati would be a tough opponent, but our guys stepped up and got the job done. Julian continues to impress, and Cade was a real spark for us today.”

— Gerhard Struber, Head Coach, New York Red Bulls

“We had our chances, but just couldn't capitalize when it mattered most. Credit to the Red Bulls, they were the better team today.”

— Pat Noonan, Head Coach, FC Cincinnati

What’s next

The Red Bulls will look to build on this win as they face a tough stretch of games against some of the top teams in the league. FC Cincinnati will try to regroup and get back on track in their next match.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the continued development of young stars like Julian Hall and Cade Cowell for the Red Bulls, while also exposing some of the consistency issues that have plagued FC Cincinnati early in the season. The result keeps the Red Bulls in the hunt in the Eastern Conference, while Cincinnati remains in search of their first sustained run of good form.