Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz didn’t call Julien Holl a hero after the Reds came from behind to win a 2-2 draw with Montreal, but it would be hard to argue the 16-year-old didn’t accomplish what he set out to do when he entered the game in the 87th minute.
And it had a huge impact, and ultimately became historic.
Hall scored his first MLS goal a minute later, becoming the second-youngest player in league history to score and the team’s youngest player to do so, helping the Red Bulls secure a point in their game away to Montreal on Wednesday night.
American soccer star Freddy Adu became the youngest player ever to score in a Major League Soccer match at age 14.
“To score and have that moment, it feels surreal. I’m really proud,” Hall said after the game.
With the Red Bulls trailing by one goal, Schwartz was substituted at forward and the club was given a corner kick opportunity shortly after.
Defender John Tolkin sent a corner kick into the penalty area, and after two Red Bulls players touched the ball, Hall headed it over Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois to tie the game.
“Just trying to make an impact, perform well for the team and work as hard as I can,” Hall explained about his mindset upon being substituted into the game.
“I was lucky enough to score a goal in that game,” he added.
The Red Bulls were trailing Montreal 2-0 until midfielder Wiki Carmona scored in the 61st minute.
New York has points in four of their last five games and is scheduled to host Toronto FC in a big game on Saturday.
Hall was featured in The Washington Post earlier this year, where he spoke about the struggles he faced before he even turned 16 and was on the field in a game.
He was subject to New Jersey child labor laws that prohibited 14- and 15-year-olds from working before 7 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m.
Hall signed with the Red Bulls last season at the age of 15 years and 167 days and has been part of the Red Bulls Academy since 2020.
Schwartz praised the teenager’s development since joining the MLS club this season.
“If you look at Julian Hall’s personal development, he’s 16 years old and it’s been incredible,” Schwartz said Wednesday night. “He’s a great person, a great guy, and he’s always listening to what we want to improve with him. His skills are very good, which is good, and he had an important goal today.” [him] And I can also say that I feel he is a very important player for us.
“He’s not just an academy player who takes that next step and plays a few minutes, he’s been in our team every weekend and so for him to take a big step with this goal is good and I’m really happy.”
