TAMPA, Fla. – Phoenix Rising FC forward Manuel Arteaga was announced as the USL Championship’s Player of the Month for June on Thursday as he moved into the lead in the race for the Golden Boot with an impressive run of form to close the month for the two-time Western Conference title winner.

Part of a revamped attack at Rising FC this season after his offseason move from Indy Eleven, the Venezuelan reeled off goals in four consecutive games to close the month, averaging a goal every 93.3 minutes overall in June on a shot conversion rate of 33.3 percent. Arteaga’s goals came at key moments, too, with seven of his 10 finishes overall this season having come in the final 30 minutes of games, including all four he scored in June.

“I am very happy and grateful to God, to the fans and to the league for this recognition. This motivates me to continue growing as a player and to continue helping my team,” said Arteaga. “I have been adapting to the team and I am grateful to each of my teammates because thanks to them I was able to get this recognition, I hope we can continue growing and adapting all together as a team.”

The 29-year-old’s 10 goals are currently tied for the league-lead the USL Championship and have equaled his previous season high in the USL Championship, achieved with Indy during the 2021 season. He has also matched his single-season best with three assists and is averaging a goal contribution every 116.3 minutes in the campaign.

In addition to crediting his teammates, Arteaga is appreciative to Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra, who in his first full season leading the side has developed an entertaining and fluid attacking style that has grown progressively over the first four months of the season.

“It has been easy to adapt to his way of playing because it is the same way I like to play and enjoy playing soccer,” said Arteaga. “I am very grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to be here and for believing in me.

“I like to be a positive person and I firmly believe in this team, I believe in the process, and I know that we will continue to improve, live in the present and enjoy every game.”

Arteaga received 50 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Championship Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLChampionship.com. The Charleston Battery’s Nick Markanich finished second on 18 percent after returning from injury to record four goals at a strike rate of a goal every 100.3 minutes for the Eastern Conference contender.

USL Championship Player of the Month – June 2023