February 14, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall (16) plays in the first half against Houston Dynamo FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The New York Red Bulls could have their next budding star in Julian Hall.
After Hall led the Red Bulls to a successful season opener under new coach Michael Bradley, they will look for their second win in two weeks when they face the New England Revolution in their home opener on Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey.
Hall, 17, scored both goals from close range in New York’s 2-1 win at Orlando City SC last week. He was only the fifth player in league history to record a multi-goal game before the age of 18, and won the MLS Matchday Player of the Year award on the league’s opening weekend.
He won against Bradley, the son of longtime coach Bob Bradley and former U.S. men’s national team stalwart who was making his MLS head coaching debut with the Red Bulls (1-0-0, 3 points).
Michael Bradley said: “Julian is a really talented young player. “I think sometimes it’s easy for people to forget how young he is. Because he’s been a pro for a few years. But he has really great qualities and we have to keep pushing him to get to the next level.”
The Red Bulls split a two-game season series with the Revolution last season, with each team winning at home.
The Revolution (0-1-0, 0 points) is trying to bounce back from a 4-1 loss at Nashville SC, which started the season in ignominious fashion. They were down 3-0 at half-time when Sam Surridge scored in the 6th and 16th minutes.
Assistant coach Michael Morris told reporters this week exactly what the staff wants from the group when it comes to the mental game.
“The question now is how do we build a mindset within the group about what to do next when an adverse situation arises,” Morris said. “If you move immediately, that’s your next move. It’s about finding intensity and unity, moving and dealing with it together as a group. If you get punched in the face, it’s your choice how you react.”
Leo Campana scored New England’s only goal, entering his second season with the club. Morris said defender Mamadou Fofana returned to practice this week after missing the start of the season while getting his green card.
–Field level media
