Red Bull New York Overview

Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.

Red Bull New York academy product Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick at 18 years and 50 days old, passing Ricardo Pepi’s previous mark of 18 years and 196 days. Hall now has nine goals and two assists this season, emerging as a major bright spot for a Red Bulls team that has found new life under first-year head coach Michael Bradley.

Mic'd Up: The New York Red Bulls great and Apple TV broadcaster had his name etched into his home stadium, but ahead of the World Cup, his focus lies elsewhere

The ex-Usuthu staffer has lifted the lid on the dramatic transfer saga that saw the South Africa international slip through the club's fingers. Despite having a contract drafted and ready for the defender, the Durban-based side were left stunned when the Sea Robbers swooped in at the eleventh hour to secure the youngster.