LANSING, Mich. — Lansing Ignite FC attacker Rafa Mentzingen has been named the USL League One Player of the Month for July, earning a majority of the fan vote and unanimous League One Technical Committee support.
Mentzingen becomes the second LIFC player to earn the honors after goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland was named the USL League One Player of the Month for June.
"It's a great honor to be player of the month in a league with so many top players," Mentzingen said, "especially in a month in which the race for the playoffs became so intense."
The Brazilian standout appeared in four games for the team in July, recording two goals and three assists. Mentzingen was a problem for every defense he faced and recorded six scoring chances.
"I think there were a couple factors that helped me have good performances in the month of July," Mentzingen said. "First of all, having my mom and sister here gave me the confidence and the extra motivation to push myself to a higher standard. Also, my teammates and the coaching staff gave me the confidence and the freedom I need to play the way I feel most comfortable."
The former Valparaiso University standout has been electrifying for the team since making his professional debut on March 30. He's recorded four goals and four assists in 2019 and has attempted the most shots and shots on goal for LIFC.
"Rafa is performing at a very high standard and is working extremely hard every single day," LIFC Head Coach Nate Miller said. "We are a very explosive and connected team, and Rafa is scoring and creating a lot of goals. He is also defending at a very high level and is becoming an all-around top player."
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