Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) announced today that Brazilian midfielder/forward Rafa Mentzingen has signed with the club on a one-plus-two contract for the 2026 USL Championship season, potentially keeping him in the Rouge and Gold through the 2028 campaign. Mentzingen will wear #17 for DCFC. The contract is pending league and federation approval.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rafael Duizit Mentzingen, 29, arrives in Detroit with an established track record as an attacking midfielder and forward in the American professional ranks. He most recently featured with North Carolina FC, where he produced double-digit goal contributions in back-to-back seasons across USL League One and the USL Championship.
Mentzingen previously spent time at the semi-professional level with Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors and Lansing United before turning professional with Lansing Ignite in USL League One. He went on to represent Memphis 901 FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, earning two USL League One Player of the Month honors and building a reputation as a dynamic, press-resistant attacker who can score and create from multiple positions across the front line.
Before turning professional, Mentzingen came to the United States to play collegiately, first starring at Bryan College before transferring to Valparaiso University for his final two seasons. Across his NAIA and NCAA career, he compiled an impressive goal-scoring record from midfield, earning multiple all-conference honors and an NAIA Second-Team All-American nod that helped launch his professional journey.
His performances at Valparaiso and in USL League Two and NPSL summer seasons led to his selection 90th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew, further underlining his profile as a creative, attack-minded talent. Although his MLS rights were retained by the Crew through 2020, he chose the professional pathway in the lower divisions, where he continued to refine his game and emerge as a consistent difference-maker.
Mentzingen is no stranger to Detroit, having previously appeared for Detroit City FC at the semi-professional level earlier in his career. During that time, he endeared himself to supporters with his energy, ball-carrying ability, and knack for producing big moments in cup competition, including the U.S. Open Cup.
Mentzingen is currently progressing through rehabilitation from a knee injury, and will be available later in the season for Detroit. He will be eligible for all USL Championship and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches upon completion of league and federation processing.
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