For new coach Michael Bradley and the New York Red Bulls, the first two weeks of the 2026 MLS season feel right out of a dream. For CF Montreal, however, the season already has the makings of a nightmare.
Bradley’s “Baby Bulls” host Montreal on Sunday in Harrison, N.J., for a clash between teams at the opposite ends of the Eastern Conference table.
In wins over Orlando and last week against New England, New York relied heavily on the teenage trio of Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Matthew Dos Santos.
In fact, those three collaborated for the lone goal in the team’s 1-0 victory over the Revolution. The 17-year-old Hall headed in an assist from the 16-year-old Mehmeti after an initial cross from the 17-year-old Dos Santos.
It was the first goal in MLS history that featured contributions from three players under the age of 18. It was also Hall’s third goal in two games. He shares the league lead with LA Galaxy’s Joao Klauss.
“It’s an honor, but I think I expect a lot more for myself, and hopefully there’s some more good things to come this season,” Hall said.
Bradley debuted with the NY/NJ MetroStars, the club’s previous iteration, at the age of 17. Although MLS has undergone a massive transformation over the past two decades, consistency week in and week out remains just as important.
“We understand that with any young player, with any player in general, not every weekend is going to be perfect; not every game is going to be their best,” Bradley said. “But we’re going to continue to find the right ways to help these guys and make sure they continue to take the next step.”
Ethan Horvath made two saves against New England for his first MLS clean sheet.
New York looks to extend its strong early start against a Montreal side that has been shut out for two consecutive weeks. After getting stomped 5-0 by San Diego in its season opener, the club dropped a 3-0 decision last weekend at Chicago.
The latter result happened despite the fact the Fire went down a man in the 54th minute. Chicago scored two goals in the second-half extra time.
“It’s difficult, and I think I didn’t put, after the red card, the players in the best position to perform,” Montreal coach Marco Donadel said. “They did everything. They pushed, and they are very disappointed, and the only thing we need to do now is work.”
Montreal was outshot 17-4 by the Fire as the club only put two shots on goal. The 4.0-to-0.1 xG disparity was steep, too.
–Field Level Media
