TAMPA, Fla. – Lansing Ignite FC midfielder Rafael Mentzingen has been voted USL League One’s Player of the Month for July after recording two goals and three assists as Ignite FC went undefeated throughout the month to remain in the postseason positions with two months to go in the regular season.
Mentzingen had a quiet first half of the season for Lansing but broke out in a major way as the club continued its ascent up the League One standings throughout July. In addition to contributing directly to five goals, the 23-year-old Brazilian recorded six key passes and completed 10 dribbles to help propel Ignite FC toward a place in the postseason.
“It’s a great honor to be Player of the Month in a league with so many top players, especially in a month in which the race for the playoffs became so intense,” said Mentzingen. “My teammates and the coaching staff gave me the confidence and the freedom I need to play the way I feel most comfortable.”
Menztingen is the second consecutive Lansing Ignite FC player to claim League One’s Player of the Month award, following goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland in June.
Mentzingen received 60 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. FC Tucson’s Jordan Jones finished second on 14 percent after recording two goals and two assists over the month, while South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Conner Antley finished third on 11 percent after recording one goal, two assists and 11 key passes.
Nominee | Fan Vote | Weight | USL Technical Vote | Weight | Total Weighted Vote |
Rafael Mentzingen (LAN) | 33% | 20% | 100% | 40% | 60% |
Jordan Jones (TUC) | 23% | 14% | 0% | 0% | 14% |
Conner Antley (TRM) | 19% | 11% | 0% | 0% | 11% |
Carlos Avilez (NTX) | 13% | 8% | 0% | 0% | 8% |
Tyler Polak (GVL) | 12% | 7% | 0% | 0% | 7% |