Rafael Santos delivers early impact as St. Louis City looks to reset season
Rafael Santos delivers early impact as St. Louis City looks to reset season Rafael Santos is beginning to settle quickly at St. Louis City SC, offering early signs of impact as the club looks to stabilize its 2026 MLS campaign.
The Brazilian left back, who joined during the most recent transfer window, has started all five league matches so far and is already contributing in decisive moments. In the final match before the FIFA international break, Santos played a key role in St. Louis’ first win of the season — a 3-1 comeback against the New England Revolution.
His influence came from a set piece. Santos delivered a precise corner kick that led to the team’s second goal, shifting momentum in a match that had started with St. Louis trailing.
“I’m very happy to have provided my first assist with the St. Louis jersey and to have contributed to the win,” Santos said. “It was a difficult game.
We went behind, but showed the strength of the team and, with the support of our fans, managed to turn it around. ” A new chapter in MLS St. Louis marks Santos’ third stop in Major League Soccer, following previous spells with Orlando City and the Colorado Rapids.