Hall, 18, becomes youngest to score MLS hat-trick

"Teenage forward Julian Hall made Major League Soccer history by becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in Red Bull New York's 3-2 win over Columbus Crew. Hall - aged 18 years and 50 days - scored twice in the first half and once in the second at Sports Illustrated Stadium to take his tally to nine league goals in 13 appearances this season."

"Former FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi was the previous record holder - aged 18 years and 196 days when he scored a hat-trick against LA Galaxy in 2021. American Hall, who made his MLS debut at the age of 15 in 2023, has been capped by the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels - and is also eligible to represent Poland internationally."

"After the game, Hall said he "got kind of emotional" when told about his new hat-trick record. "It just makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to make memories like this," he added. Head coach Michael Bradley said he has enjoyed "every second" of working with Hall, calling the teenager "a great kid"."

"Bradley added: "Nothing's going in his head. He comes in every day ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen. He has great personality." 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 (00:30 BST, Sunday)."

Julian Hall, 18 years and 50 days old, scored twice in the first half and once in the second to complete a hat-trick in Red Bull New York’s 3-2 win over Columbus Crew. The performance made him the youngest player to score an MLS hat-trick, surpassing Ricardo Pepi’s previous record from 2021. Hall’s tally reached nine league goals in 13 appearances. He debuted in MLS at 15 in 2023 and has represented the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels, while also being eligible to play for Poland. Hall said he felt emotional about the milestone, and Michael Bradley praised his work ethic and attitude. In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi scored two goals and assisted as Inter Miami beat Cincinnati 5-3, with a late goal credited as an own goal after contact by the goalkeeper.

Read at www.bbc.com