HERRIMAN, Utah (Fri., September 27, 2026) - Real Monarchs today released GK Trace Alphin, facilitating his signing with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive for the remainder of the USL season. Not under contract with Real Monarchs for 2027, releasing Alphin provides the North Carolina native an opportunity to extend his 2026 season.
Alphin, 23, completed his second professional year with Real Monarchs last Sunday, as the Monarchs defeated Ventura County FC, 2-1, in its 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular-season finale. Notching nine appearances this season, Alphin logged 36 saves en route to a 67.9 save percentage.
Drafted in the second round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft (59th overall) out of Wake Forest University, Alphin went on to sign a contract with MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Real Monarchs in the spring of 2025, since logging 14 appearances and two clean sheets.
Current Western Conference leaders El Paso Locomotive, led by Head Coach Junior Gonzales, are riding an eight-game win streak into Saturday’s match against Tulsa FC. El Paso now has five games left on its regular-season slate, with the 2026 USL Championship playoffs on the near horizon.
After Sunday’s Decision Day finale, Real Monarchs will return to action next spring, participating in the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season, scheduled to start in February.
