The New York Red Bulls gave 15-year-old Julian Hall a cameo against Inter Miami after finding a legal loophole allowing him to play.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The New York Red Bulls handed Hall his first home appearance in Major League Soccer this season, but had to find a legal loophole to do so. New Jersey’s child labour laws prohibit Hall from working past 7pm. Therefore, he has missed the majority of the Red Bulls’ games this season, but their clash with Inter Miami kicked off in the afternoon, and he was subsequently brought on as a substitute in the 79th minute of the 4-0 victory, which was achieved as their opponents were hampered by the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hall is now 16, with his birthday falling on Sunday, and he is a winger who can play on both sides of the pitch. He has won nine caps for the USA’s Under-15s team, and made his debut for the New York Red Bulls at home last season, against Chicago Fire in a 1-0 defeat.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hall is the second-youngest player to ever feature in MLS, following on from iconic wonderkid Freddy Adu, who made his debut for DC United when he was just 14. Hall will hope to have a more successful career than his compatriot, who won 17 caps for the USMNT but never managed to fulfil his potential.
WHAT NEXT?
The New York Red Bulls are set to be back in action against Orlando City next weekend. After their thumping win over Inter Miami, they are currently third in MLS’ Eastern Conference standings, one point behind early-season leaders Cincinnati.
