Red Bulls Win MLS Opener 2-1 on Hall's Two Goals

ORLANDO, Fla. Seventeen-year-old forward Julian Hall scored twice in the first half to lead the New York Red Bulls to a 2-1 victory over Orlando City in the Major League Soccer season opener on Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The win marked the debut of head coach Michael Bradley, who emphasized a youthful lineup featuring three teenagers in the starting XI.

Hall opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a swift attacking move. Winger Cade Cowell advanced down the right flank and passed to Emil Forsberg, who evaded defenders and rounded goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau before squaring the ball for Hall to tap in from close range. The Red Bulls maintained intense pressure throughout the half, limiting Orlando to just two shot attempts while generating 13 of their own.

The second goal came in the 40th minute from a corner kick taken by Forsberg. A scramble in the penalty area ensued, and 16-year-old debutant midfielder Adri Mehmeti reacted first to deliver a low cross. Hall finished from point-blank range, securing a 2-0 lead at halftime. It was Hall's fifth career MLS goal; he appeared in 26 matches last season, scoring once, and twice in 11 games during the 2024 campaign. He...