The brightest young stars in MLS face off this weekend as Red Bull New York welcome rivals Philadelphia Union to Sports Illustrated Stadium. For the hosts, 18 year old Julian Hall leads the team in goals and 17 year old Adri Mehmeti has controlled the tempo in the midfield. For the visitors, 16 year old Cavan Sullivan has been a creative spark while 18 year old Neil Pierre has commanded the defense and added some set piece goals. Those four young stars are seen as the future of American soccer and will share the pitch on Saturday night.
Match Details
Who: Red Bull New York vs. Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
When: Saturday August 29, 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Watch: Apple TV
Hall Looking To Rediscover Goalscoring Form After Extension
Speaking of Julian Hall, he’s the main topic of discussion around Red Bull New York right now. The teenager just signed a four year contract extension with his boyhood club, putting rumors of a European move to bed for now. Clubs such as Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig have shown interest.
After a fast start to the season, Hall has struggled to find the net of late. He bagged a hat trick against Columbus Crew on May 13th but hasn’t scored since. That’s a goalless drought of 715 minutes across eight games. Hall is still generating chances and getting good looks at goal, but his finishing touch has been missing. With DP striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on the bench, Hall will be under some pressure to find his scoring boots.
On the other end of the pitch, RBNY haven’t found a way to stop their opponents. Michael Bradley’s side have only kept one clean sheet all season, which was in the second match of the campaign. It’s now been 21 matches since they’ve held their opposition scoreless. Former USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath joined in the offseason and has had an underwhelming start to life at the club. He’s let in 2.07 more goals than expected and struggles as a passer, only completing 27.8% of his long balls. Center back Justin Che’s two month long injury certainly played a part in their defensive woes, but he’s back now and the results haven’t improved.
Union Maintaining Unbeaten Run Under Richter
Interim manager Ryan Richter has completely transformed the Philadelphia Union. Since he took control of the first team, they haven’t lost in MLS with four wins and two draws. Now they look to extend that streak against the team Richter made his Union first team managerial debut against.
The first game back from the World Cup break was the start of a new era for the Union. They hosted Red Bull New York as Richter took charge, sparking life into a team that didn’t have any in the first half of the season. Philadelphia won that game 3-1, dominating their rivals from start to finish. Kai Wagner was the biggest star that night in his second debut for the club after rejoining from Birmingham City. The Union’s all time leading assist maker added another to his tally in a poetic return home.
Another huge storyline from that match was the emergence of Neil Pierre. The 6’7” center back came back from a successful loan spell with Lyngby in Denmark and immediately made his mark. Just ten minutes after subbing on, Pierre scored a towering header to put Philadelphia up 3-1. The youngster has now established himself as a regular start in the Union back line and scored two more goals with his head.
Match Prediction
All four bright young talents will shine as the country gets a glimpse of what the future of the national team holds. Mehmeti will provide an assist for Red Bull New York but it won’t be enough as the red-hot Union win the derby for the second time this summer.
Prediction: Red Bull New York 1-2 Philadelphia Union
Braden Hines is a writer and data analyst with a passion for U.S. Soccer. Runs American Ultras Talk on YouTube and X. Works for Carolina Ascent FC and Syracuse Men’s Soccer.
