SouthernWorldwide.com – Julian Hall has etched his name in Major League Soccer history, becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat trick in the league.
At just 18 years and 50 days old, Hall achieved this remarkable feat on Wednesday night, leading the New York Red Bulls to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew.
This season has seen a dramatic surge in Hall’s goal-scoring prowess. He now boasts nine goals, a significant leap from his previous total of three career goals across 38 appearances in his first three MLS seasons.
The New York Red Bulls, with this win, have secured back-to-back victories for the first time since the start of the season. This follows their 3-1 triumph over Chicago on Saturday, which ended a five-game winless streak.
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Cade Cowell played a crucial role in the Red Bulls’ success, contributing two assists. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath also made key saves, stopping two shots on goal to preserve the lead.
For the Columbus Crew, Max Arfsten and Diego Rossi each found the back of the net. However, the team has now fallen into a three-game losing streak, a stark contrast to their earlier success where they achieved their only consecutive wins of the season.
The decisive goal came in the 79th minute. A header from Gustav Berggren, following a corner kick delivered by Rafael Mosquera, was initially blocked on the goal line by midfielder Sekou Bangoura. However, Julian Hall was perfectly positioned to pounce on the rebound and secure the 3-2 lead for New York.
Hall’s first goal of the match came in the seventh minute. He executed a sliding finish after receiving a low cross from the right side, delivered by Cade Cowell.
The second goal, also from Hall, occurred in the 40th minute, giving the Red Bulls a 2-1 advantage. Cowell initiated the play on a counterattack, sending a precise low cross between defender Sean Zawadzki and goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Hall met the ball with a first-touch finish from close range.
The Columbus Crew had equalized in the 22nd minute. Max Arfsten capitalized on a turnover by the Red Bulls in their defensive half, scoring with a first-touch shot that went under the crossbar and inside the left post.
Diego Rossi brought the Crew level in the 64th minute by converting a penalty kick.
Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made two saves during the match.
Despite the loss, the Columbus Crew dominated possession, holding 65% of the ball throughout the game.
