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North Carolina's Rafa Mentzingen Voted League One Player of the Month for April

May 10, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - North Carolina FC midfielder Rafa Mentzingen was voted USL League One's Player of the Month presented by Konami eFootball for April.

It's the League One veteran's second career Player of the Month nod after earning the recognition in July 2019 with Lansing Ignite FC. Mentzingen is the first midfielder in league history to account for five or more goals in a single month and his five scores are tied for the third-most in a single season in league history.

The 27-year-old Brazilian exploded for a career-high five goals in a single month, propelling NCFC to an unbeaten 4-0-1 April. The League One veteran netted a pair of match-winning goals to go along with 35 duels won, 13 dribbles completed and a league-leading 11 shots on target.

"First, I want to thank God for such a blessed beginning to the season," Mentzingen said. "I also want to thank my teammates and our coaching staff. We had a great month together and so many of us have stood out. This award is just the cherry on top of an unbeaten month as a team. Now, we are focused on building on that momentum into May and beyond."

"Rafa has had a tremendous impact on our team, both on and off the field, so far this season," NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. "It's encouraging to see his current production, but I feel he can still be even better. As he continues to find his best form, he will be a great component of our attacking group."

Mentzingen's Player of the Month honor and Bradford's Coach of the Month nod serves as just the fifth month in league history a single club has claimed both honors in the same month. Additionally, NCFC's Player of the Month recognition is its first since Austin da Luz earned NASL Player of the Month honors in April 2016.

Mentzingen received 51% of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Austin Pack finished second on 16% with his league-best 22 saves and three clean sheets, while South Georgia Tormenta FC winger Jackson Khoury finished third on 14% after recording three goals and one assist.

USL League One Player of the Month - April

Nominee Fan Vote Weight USL Vote Weight Total Vote

Rafa Mentzingen (NC) 31% 19% 80% 32% 51%

Austin Pack (CLT) 13% 8% 20% 8% 16%

Jackson Khoury (TRM) 23% 14% 0% 0% 14%

Noe Meza (OMA) 19% 11% 0% 0% 11%

Oalex Anderson (NC) 14% 8% 0% 0% 8%

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