After receiving his first call-up to the United States men’s national team, Julian Hall responded with derby-day fireworks in Red Bull New York’s 1-0 road victory over rivals New York City FC.
The 18-year-old forward pounced on a loose ball after NYCFC defender James Sands misplayed a backpass and scored the match-winning goal in the 57th minute.
“I’m super pumped after the win,” Hall said following the match in the mixed zone. “It was a massive fight from the team. It was not easy, so we’re just happy.
“I was happy to score right in that corner as well. It was kind of set up for that, so I was really happy to be able to celebrate with [the supporters] after the game as well. We’re all just really thankful that they made the trip to come out tonight.”
Friday’s victory sent the Red Bulls into eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, surpassing their Hudson River Derby rivals.
Hall Shines For Red Bulls Before USMNT Debut
Hall ran in alone on NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese and rounded him before scoring into an empty net.
Prior to joining the Red Bull New York Academy in 2020, Hall spent his early development years at NYCFC’s academy.
Friday night, on the Yankee Stadium pitch, Hall again gave the Pigeons a glimpse of what could have been.
Mauricio Pochettino Keeps An Eye On Hall, Mehmeti Ahead of USMNT Debuts
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino attended Friday’s match and surely observed Hall and teammate Adri Mehmeti closely.
“We went out and we left the field with no regrets from the first second to the last second,” Mehmeti said. “Everybody put in so much work. Even the guys that came in off the bench did so much work.”
The teenage duo will be off to the U.S. national team camp before the United States plays four international friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, starting with Peru on September 26 at Orlando’s Inter.co Stadium.
Horvath, Resolute Defense Key To Red Bull New York Victory
Despite NYCFC owning 69 percent of first-half possession and claiming 60 percent of overall possession, the Red Bulls pulled out a hard-fought victory.
Red Bull New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made four saves to earn his fourth shutout of 2026.
“Every good team needs a really good goalkeeper,” Bradley said. “So he’s been that for us. There’s also a lot of guys who make some big plays, some big blocks, some really hard reactions. I said to the group after, that’s the sign of a real team.”
The Red Bulls will return home to Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 26 to face St. Louis City SC.
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