CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC announced on Tuesday it had exercised its 2022 contract option on midfielder Rafa Mentzingen, pending league and federation approval, to keep the Brazilian playmaker at the club for the new USL League One season.

Mentzingen made 17 appearances for the Red Wolves in the 2021 season recording a total of 885 minutes. The midfielder overcame a series of injuries in the early season to become a key part of the midfield upon recovery with 116 completed passes, five successful crosses, and one goal.

“​​My goals for 2022 are to bring the USL League One trophy to Chattanooga, first and foremost,” said Mentzingen. “Second is to be able to contribute more with goals and assists.

“My first year in Chattanooga started with some setbacks due to injury but ended on a very high note. The fans were unbelievable all throughout the season and I can’t wait for our first home game in 2022. I would like to tell our faithful fans that 2022 will be a special year and I can’t wait to hear and feel their support pushing us forward next season.”

Mentzingen joined Chattanooga prior to the 2021 season after competing in the USL Championship for Memphis 901 FC in the 2020 campaign. The 25-year-old had a standout 2019 campaign in League One that saw him earn selection to the All-League Second Team and overall has recorded seven goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in the league.

“We’re very happy to have Rafa back. We know that 2022 is going to be the breakout year for him,” said Red Wolves Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “Rafa is an exceptional person, an exceptional professional, and this year we are looking forward to him being the exceptional soccer player to the level we know he can be and is going to be. We are very happy to have him back, he’s a special player and definitely an exceptional person to keep us moving forward to where we want to be by the end of the year.”