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Bulls' 18-Year-Old Julian Hall Breaks MLS Hat-Trick Record

5/15/2026

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Summary

Julian Hall Hat-trick

Julian Hall, 18, scored a hat-trick as the Bulls beat Columbus 3-2 on May 13.
At 18 years 50 days, he broke Ricardo Pepi’s 18-year-196-day record for the youngest MLS hat-trick scorer.
He now has nine league goals in 13 games and 12 in all competitions.
The performance earned him Matchday 13 Player of the Matchday, tied him for fourth in Golden Boot race, and included a $257,241 base salary.

Summary

Hall Hat-trick

Hall delivered a record-breaking hat-trick and thanked teammates for setting him up.
He said the win required hard work and expressed gratitude for his position.
Coach Michael Bradley said he would vote for Hall if allowed, noting the performance strengthens Hall’s 2026 MLS All-Star case.
The Red Bulls moved to sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 18 points after 13 matches.

History

Historical Context

MLS postponed its debut from 1995 to 1996, signing marquee players like Tab Ramos before holding its inaugural player draft on February 6-7, 1996, where the Columbus Crew selected Brian McBride first overall. On May 5, 1996 McBride scored three goals, the league’s first hat-trick, accounting for 30% of the Crew’s ten goals that month. The early emphasis on star signings set a precedent for today’s youth-focused milestones.

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Julian Hall Hat-trick

Julian Hall, 18, scored a hat-trick as the Bulls beat Columbus 3-2 on May 13.
At 18 years 50 days, he broke Ricardo Pepi’s 18-year-196-day record for the youngest MLS hat-trick scorer.
He now has nine league goals in 13 games and 12 in all competitions.
The performance earned him Matchday 13 Player of the Matchday, tied him for fourth in Golden Boot race, and included a $257,241 base salary.

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