Rafa Mentzingen Named NPSL Player of the Week
SoccerToday spoke with NPSL Player of the Week Rafa Mentzingen in our latest highlight interview of the award’s recipients. The winner of this national honor is determined by a vote of media members from across the country. It is awarded every week during the regular season.
NPSL Soccer News: Lansing United midfielder Rafa Mentzingen has been named the fourteenth Mitre National Player of the Week for the 2017 NPSL season.
Lansing United earned the titles of 2014 NPSL Midwest Region Champions and 2014 Great Lakes Western Conference Champions.
“This award means a lot to me and for Lansing United,” said Mentzingen. “We are off to a great start and I’m pleased to help the team with goals and good performances.”
The Lansing United standout now has nine goals and one assist in six games after scoring a brace against Grand Rapids. He is currently leading the NPSL in goals per game.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mentzingen came to Lansing United after being named an NAIA All-American at Bryan College last fall. Mentzingen has excelled with United this summer and leads the club in nearly every offensive category. He has three multi-goal performances and also leads the club in shots with 27 and shots on goal with 13.
“Rafa has continually performed at an elite level this season,” said Lansing United head coach and General Manager Nate Miller. “He thoroughly deserves this award and his teammates are to credit as well. We look forward to Rafa helping propel this team to new heights.”
Mentzingen currently leads the Midwest Region in goals and has scored in six consecutive NPSL matches, which is a Lansing club record. In two collegiate seasons at Bryan College, Mentzingen had 22 goals and eight assists in 35 matches. He is an incoming transfer at NCAA Division I Valparaiso University.
SoccerToday spoke with Mentzingen as we present our latest exclusive interview on the NPSL’s Mitre Player of the Week.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you join your team?

Rafa Mentzingen: May 1, 2017.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about your team?
Rafa Mentzingen:Â The team unity and the style of soccer that we play.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long have you played in the NPSL?
Rafa Mentzingen: 
This is my first season.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your position?
Rafa Mentzingen:Â Left winger/midfielder.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about playing your position? 

Rafa Mentzingen:Â The 1v1 moments and the balls in behind defenders.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
Rafa Mentzingen:Â In 2000, at the age of four.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team did you first play for? 

Rafa Mentzingen:Â Volta Redonda FC.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did you play collegiate soccer?Â
Rafa Mentzingen: 
Valparaiso University, coached by Mike Avery.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be an impact player?
Rafa Mentzingen: It takes being able to handle tough situations, confidence and helping your teammates to play at a higher level to be an impact player.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell us about your head coach Nate Miller — what is he like to play for? 

Rafa Mentzingen: Nate is a really good coach that passes on to me a lot of confidence. He gives us freedom to go forward and uses our strengths to create opportunities and have fun on the field.
Diane Scavuzzo: What inspires you? 

Rafa Mentzingen:Â My family, coaches, friends, but also all the players that I had the opportunity to play with during my career.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals as a player? 

Rafa Mentzingen:Â My goals are to become a better player every day.
I think I must work a lot on the defense part of my game if I want to play at a higher level. Also, soccer is constantly changing and you have to get better every day in order to be successful.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you want to play in Europe or in the MLS?
Rafa Mentzingen: 
I would love to have an opportunity to play in either. However, playing in Europe has always been one of my dreams.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?
Rafa Mentzingen: 
I would probably pick super speed.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player?
Rafa Mentzingen: 
My favorite soccer team is FC Barcelona, and my favorite player is Coutinho. I also like Liverpool when it comes to EPL.
Photo Credit: Hoffman Photography
