HERRIMAN, Utah (Thu., October 15,, 2026) - Real Salt Lake Assistant Sporting Director Tony Beltran announced various Real Monarchs 2027 Roster Decisions today, following the recent conclusion of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
The announcements arrive three weeks after Real Monarchs’ 2-1 “Decision Day” victory over Ventura County FC at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.
Contracts Guaranteed for 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season
DF Linkon Ream
DF Judah Pritchett
Back for his sophomore season, Utah native and RSL Academy standout Linkon Ream logged 17 appearances and nine starts for the 2026 Monarchs, nearly eclipsing the 1,000-minute mark in his debut professional season. The midsummer signing notched two goals this season, opening his goalscoring account on Aug. 23 in a 4-1 loss at Colorado Rapids 2. Monarchs DF Judah Pritchett arrived on the Wasatch Front in mid-September, but did not suit up for Real Monarchs this season.
Monarchs Team Option Exercised
FW Felix Ewald
Returning for the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season, 2026 Monarchs team MVP Felix Ewald made his presence known upon his arrival with a strong rookie-year performance. Throughout the 2026 campaign, Ewald played multiple positions across all three lines, a veritable “Swiss Army Knife” for Monarchs Head Coach Mark Lowry.
Discussions Ongoing
MF Liam O’Gara
MF Izzy Amparo
Two players now enter the offseason out-of-contract at the end of the 2026 calendar year, the midfield pairing each remaining in negotiations with the Club front office in hopes of returning for the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro sprint season.
Returning to Real Salt Lake for Remainder of 2026 Season
MF Omar Marquez
MF Chance Cowell
MF Diego Rocio
FW Van Parker
DF Gio Villa
GK Max Kerkvliet
MF Owen Anderson
MF Antonio Riquelme
DF Luis Rivera
FW Lineker Rodrigues
MF Luca Moisa
DF Kobi Henry
MF Griffin Dillon
DF Juan Jose Arias
DF Luis Rivera
Loaned to Real Monarchs from Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake at various times throughout the 2026 season, the 15-player group listed above will report back to RSL for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season, with their status for 2027 and beyond to be determined at the end of the League year.
Returning to RSL Academy
MF Issac Murphy
MF Rylan Hashimoto
FW Nico Silva
DF Cris Rios
DF Kellen Poll
All five listed here made their professional debuts during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, with the quintet now returning to RSL Academy to face off against Sonny G next weekend, as the RSL U18 squad looks to build upon its active seven-match unbeaten streak to open the 2026-27 MLS NEXT season.
Released
GK Trace Alphin
Released prior to the end of his contract, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026, Real Monarchs permitted former MLS SuperDraft pick Alphin pursue an opportunity to sign with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive to extend his 2026 season.
Team Option Declined
DF Michael Wentzel
FW Zach Lifferth
FW Lionel Djiro
DF Dylan Kropp
DF Gio Calderon
Non-Renewal (Free Agent)
DF Ruben Mesalles
Loan Conclusion
FW Handwalla Bwana
DF Hayden Sargis
Real Monarchs extend sincere gratitude for these players’ collective contributions to the Club and wish them the best in future endeavors.
Real Monarchs saw 17 different Real Salt Lake contracted players and nine Real Salt Lake Academy loanees appear in a 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season match this calendar year. Real Monarchs will also benefit from the upcoming 2027 MLS SuperDraft, a process which provided half of the 2026 Real Monarchs end-of-year award winners [Liam O’Gara (Defensive Player of the Year), Max Kerkvliet (Golden Glove) and Lineker Rodrigues (Golden Boot)].
