Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick during a match on May 13, 2026 [1].
The record-breaking performance marks a significant milestone for the league's youth development, signaling the emergence of a new generation of elite talent within the U.S. soccer system.
Hall, an 18-year-old forward for the New York Red Bulls, scored three goals to lead his team to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew [2]. The match took place at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey [3].
At the time of the achievement, Hall was 18 years and 50 days old [4]. By scoring three goals in the match, he surpassed the previous record for the youngest player to record a hat trick in the history of the league [5].
The victory was secured in a tight contest that saw the Red Bulls maintain a one-goal lead over the Crew [2]. The performance highlights Hall's role as a primary offensive threat for New York as the season progresses.
League officials and analysts said the feat is rare at this age. Scoring three goals in a single professional match requires a level of precision and composure that is uncommon for teenage players in a physical league like MLS [5].
“Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick”
This record underscores a shifting trend in Major League Soccer where homegrown talent is increasingly integrated into starting lineups at younger ages. Hall's ability to dominate a professional match at 18 suggests that the gap between youth academies and the first team is narrowing, potentially increasing the league's ability to produce world-class talent internally rather than relying on veteran international signings.
