In the opening match of the MLS season, Julian Hall made his mark with a stunning double, leading New York Red Bulls to a 2-1 triumph over Orlando City SC. Hall opened the scoring just 7 minutes into the first half, capitalizing on a slick play. He doubled the lead shortly before halftime, finding the back of the net again at the 39-minute mark.
Orlando City managed to respond in the second half, with Tiago netting a goal in the 50th minute, providing a glimmer of hope. However, their efforts fell short as they were unable to equalize.
Cade Cowell from New York Red Bulls came close to extending the lead, striking the woodwork twice throughout the match. Despite these missed chances, the star of the show was undoubtedly Maxime Crépeau, the Orlando goalkeeper, who made an impressive 14 saves to keep his team in contention.
Hall’s performance was exceptional as he not only scored twice but also attempted to score with four shots on target.
Orlando City’s coach Óscar Pareja fielded a 4-4-2 formation, with Crépeau in goal; a defense comprising Griffin Dorsey, Iago, David Brekalo, and Adrián Marín; a midfield featuring Marco Pasalic, Braian Ojeda, Wilder Cartagena, and Tyrese Spicer; and a forward line of Duncan McGuire and Martín Ojeda.
Meanwhile, Michael Bradley’s New York Red Bulls lined up in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Ethan Horvath in goal; defenders Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Justin Che, Dylan Nealis, and Matthew Dos Santos; midfielders Ronald Donkor, Emil Forsberg, and Adri Mehmeti; with Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, and Jorge Ruvalcaba leading the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Rubiel Vázquez at the Inter and Co Stadium.
Looking ahead, Orlando City will host Inter Miami in their next match, while New York Red Bulls will face New England Revolution at home.