In the wide spaces of the American Midwest, Rafael Navarro has found another decisive start. The Brazilian striker scored again as St. Louis City won 3-0 away to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, extending a remarkable opening spell following his move from Colorado Rapids.
Key takeaways
- Navarro has scored six times in his first four matches for St. Louis City.
- He is the highest-scoring Brazilian player in the MLS this season.
- St. Louis City have recorded four straight victories and are unbeaten in 19 matches in 2026.
- The club now sit second in the Western Conference, three points behind Vancouver Whitecaps.
- Navarro joined St. Louis from Colorado Rapids in the biggest intra-MLS transfer on record.
A prolific new chapter in St. Louis
The former Palmeiras and Botafogo forward is in his fourth season in the United States, but his arrival in St. Louis has quickly become one of the most productive stretches of his career. His goal at Red Bull Arena took his total for 2026 to 16 goals, alongside five assists.
Navarro’s move from Colorado was a landmark deal within the league, and St. Louis are already receiving an emphatic return. Six goals across four appearances for his new side have made him the leading Brazilian scorer in MLS.
Western Conference momentum
The win in New York carried value beyond another goal for Navarro. St. Louis City’s 3-0 result delivered a fourth consecutive victory and preserved their 19-game unbeaten run across the season.
That surge has lifted the club into second place in the Western Conference. Vancouver Whitecaps remain top, but the gap is only three points as St. Louis continue their climb with Navarro at the centre of their attacking form.
