Red Bull New York‘s striker Julian Hall earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors for the first matchday of the 2026 season after an outstanding performance. At just 17 years old, Hall scored both goals in New York’s 2-1 win against Orlando City, marking a memorable start under new head coach Michael Bradley.
Hall’s two goals not only secured the victory but also set a league record, making him the youngest player in MLS history to net multiple goals in his club’s opening game of a season. Despite this being only his fifth regular-season start, he delivered his first game-winning MLS goal, highlighting his rapid rise.
Historic Youth Presence in Red Bulls’ Lineup
Hall was part of a historic moment for New York as three teenagers aged 17 or younger—midfielder Adri Mehmeti (16), defender Matthew Dos Santos (17), and Hall himself—started the opening match. This marked the first time in MLS history that a team began a season with three players so young on the field simultaneously.
The future is now in New York. 🧢@NewYorkRedBulls becomes the first team in MLS history to start three players 17 or younger in a regular season match. pic.twitter.com/JzzSis0Dc2 — Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026
Alongside the record, Hall became the first player from Red Bull New York to win Player of the Matchday since Emil Forsberg earned the distinction in the 2025 season (Matchday 12). At 17 years and 336 days, Hall ranks as the sixth-youngest player to ever receive the award in MLS.
Recognition and Voting Process for Player of the Matchday
The selection of the MLS Player of the Matchday involves a combined voting system of media and fans. Seventy-five percent of the vote comes from journalists affiliated with the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR), which includes representatives from print, television, radio, and online media. The remaining 25 percent of the votes are gathered through fan participation on Instagram, coordinated by MLS Communications.
Red Bulls Aim to Build on Early Success
Following Hall’s remarkable debut and the club’s opening win, Red Bull New York will host the New England Revolution on Saturday in hopes of sustaining their momentum as Michael Bradley’s inaugural season as head coach progresses. This match will be a chance for the youthful squad to prove that their historic start is no fluke and to solidify a winning rhythm early in the campaign.
The Broader Context of MLS Debuts and Rising Stars
Hall’s breakthrough mirrors exciting developments across the league, with other young talents making their mark this season. The presence of phenomenal debuts and emerging players illustrates a broader trend toward youth integration in MLS squads, signaling a shift that fans and analysts closely watch.
Red Bull New York’s willingness to trust teenage players such as Hall, Mehmeti, and Dos Santos shows an eagerness to build a new foundation anchored in youth, which could shape the team’s trajectory and influence MLS talent development trends.
The future is now in New York. ⚡️@NewYorkRedBulls becomes the first team in MLS history to start three players 17 or younger in a regular season match. pic.twitter.com/JzzSis0Dc2
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026
