Red Bull New York’s new head coach, Michael Bradley, demonstrated his willingness to take risks in their MLS opener against Orlando City. On opening night, Bradley started young players, opting for 17-year-old Julian Hall as the central striker instead of last year’s leading scorer, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. In the midfield, 16-year-old Adri Mehmet, who trained with RB Leipzig in the offseason, played, and 17-year-old Matthew Dos Santos was positioned at left back. This marked the first time in MLS history a team had started three players aged 17 or younger in a match, and it proved successful.
Hall scored twice in the first half, assisted on the second goal by Mehmeti, leading Red Bull to a 2-1 win over Orlando. “We’re grateful for the coaching staff’s trust,” Hall said. “Adri, Matty, and I came through the academy and worked hard for this opportunity.”
The opening goal came in the eighth minute when Emil Forsberg, after receiving a pass from Cade Cowell, maneuvered the ball to Hall, who tapped it in. In the 40th minute, Mehmeti’s deflected corner led to Hall’s second goal. Bradley praised Hall’s talent and emphasized the importance of continuing to push him.
Both Hall and Choupo-Moting benefit from Bradley’s vision, and newcomers Cade Cowell and Jorge Ruvalcaba impressed as dynamic playmakers. “We felt the game set up well for us,” Bradley said, noting the importance of speed and movement.
Hall expressed excitement about the opportunity and the team’s goals for the season. Despite having an incomplete back line and some open midfield spots, the team aims to make their mark, with Hall ready to contribute alongside Choupo-Moting.
“We’re a newer team, but we’re here to show who we are and what Red Bull represents,” Hall said.
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