Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall isn’t your typical 18-year-old trying to make his name in Major League Soccer — he’s already levels above what’s expected from promising MLS teenagers.
Hall scored the opening goal in New York’s 4-2 home victory against FC Cincinnati on Saturday to make it five goals in six matches to start the new campaign. He became the youngest player in league history to score five or more goals within the first six matches of a season at just 18 years and 11 days old.
The 5-foot-10 striker has demonstrated predatory instincts by finishing loose balls, threaded passes and headers with aplomb.
Early into Saturday’s contest, teammate Cade Cowell found separation near the edge of the box and fed Hall for a simple finish that got the Red Bulls off and running with a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
Hall’s Approach: Maximizing Every Opportunity
Hall appears to possess the right mentality needed to continue growing and make the most of his bright future.
“I feel like I approach every game, every season the same,” Hall said. “I think I just try and make the best of every opportunity I have and every minute I can play. So I feel like this year I had something to prove and I still have something to prove, so I’m going to keep working every day.”
Hall praised Cowell for contributing to the match’s opening goal and for the constant danger that he presented to Cincinnati defenders throughout the evening.
“I’ve got to thank my guy Cade Cowell for delivering a great pass in the box, I’m just doing my job,” Hall said. “[Cade] was amazing. Of course, the assist to my goal. He was such a threat throughout the whole game, leading to the own goal in the second half. He was amazing tonight.”
Veteran Influence: Learning from Choupo-Moting
One teammate who has made a particular impact on Hall’s young career is veteran forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Having someone of Choupo-Moting’s vast experience on the field, in training sessions and in the dressing room is shaping a positive impact on Hall’s development.
“It started last year when I kind of got to watch him in training and talk to him, and obviously in the games and stuff like that,” Hall explained. “So, yeah, I think he’s a great mentor. He’s a great leader, and I definitely owe him a little bit of my success, for sure.”
Choupo-Moting spent several seasons playing across Europe’s top competitions for world-renowned clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. At age 37, Choupo-Moting is nearing the twilight of his career, but Hall is just getting started.
If Hall continues to learn from his experienced mentor and continues to flourish under the watch of current head coach and former United States captain Michael Bradley, it wouldn’t be surprising if he puts together a long and distinguished career of his own.
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