NEW YORK (Monday, August 18, 2025) – Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra for Matchday 29 of the 2025 MLS season.
The Brazilian forward scored two goals and added an assist in Colorado’s 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday Night. Navarro’s two goals were his 10th and 11th in the regular season as he became the fourth player in club history to produce at least 10 goals in consecutive seasons and the first since Deshorn Brown in 2013-14. No Rapids player has ever scored 30 regular-season goals in a two-season span as Navarro looks to become the first, sitting only four goals shy of the mark with seven matches left to play. The win was crucial for Colorado as they moved into seventh place in the Western Conference (36 points, 10-11-6) and four points above the final Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs position.
Colorado opened the scoring in the 18th minute as Navarro flicked on a headed pass to Darren Yapi who one-timed a left-footed effort past Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan for the 1-0 lead (Watch Here). After Atlanta equalized, Navarro drew a penalty kick in the second half and then converted the go-ahead goal from the penalty spot. The Brazilian Designated Player completed his brace in the 71st minute as he latched on to a loose ball and struck an effort that made its way past Guzan and trickled into the back of the net.
This is the first time Navarro has earned a Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra honor in his career. He also becomes the third different Brazilian player to win the award this season, joining FC Cincinnati’s Evander (twice) and St. Louis CITY SC’s João Klauss (Matchday 19).
Navarro and the Rapids will return to action next Saturday when they travel to face the LA Galaxy (10:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
The MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while an Instagram fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio, and online media.
|
