St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Palmer Ault has been named to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI after an impressive first professional season, highlighted by leading the team in goals and earning a first team contract on July 15.
Ault signed with CITY2 at the beginning of the year and wasted no time settling into the team. The midfielder recorded three goals and three assists in his first three matches of the year against Sporting KC II, Minnesota United FC2, and Ventura County FC. Ault finished the regular season, recording eight goals and seven assists in 17 appearances, averaging nearly one goal contribution per match. He led the team in goals and finished second overall in assists on CITY2.
The Indiana native earned a first team contract with CITY SC on July 15 after his standout performances at the MLS NEXT Pro level. Ault made his MLS debut on July 16 against Sporting KC, entering the match as a second-half substitute. Since then, he has made seven appearances with the first team.
“Palmer has made a tremendous impact on our team this season, and this leaguewide recognition is a well-deserved reward for his hard work and performances,” said CITY2 head coach David Critchley. “His desire to learn and improve has stood out from day one, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow within the CITY SC organization.”
With Ault’s selection to the Best XI, CITY2 has had a player honored every season since the league’s inception except one year (2023). The honorees include Kyle Hiebert (2022), Michael Wentzel and Mykhi Joyner (2024), Gabriel Mikina and Mykhi Joyner (2025).
Ault helped CITY2 clinch a fifth consecutive playoff berth, making the club the only team to qualify for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs every season (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026). CITY2 finished with a 10-8-10 record and 44 points.
St. Louis will return to action on Friday, October 16, to face Portland Timbers2 in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Quarterfinal at Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CT, and fans can stream the match on mlsnextpro.com and OneFootball.
