Real Monarchs released goalkeeper Trace Alphin to facilitate his signing with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive for the remainder of the USL season, according to a statement released September 25.
Alphin, a 23-year-old North Carolina native, is not under contract with Real Monarchs for 2027, allowing him the opportunity to extend his 2026 season with El Paso Locomotive.
Alphin completed his second professional year with the Monarchs on Sunday, September 27, 2026, when the team defeated Ventura County FC 2-1 in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular-season finale.
During the season, Alphin made nine appearances, recorded 36 saves, and maintained a 67.9 percent save percentage. He previously signed with the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate in the spring of 2025 after being drafted in the second round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft out of Wake Forest University. Since signing, he has logged 14 appearances and two clean sheets.
El Paso Locomotive, led by Head Coach Junior Gonzales, enters their match against Tulsa FC on Saturday riding an eight-game win streak. The team has five games remaining in the regular season before the 2026 USL Championship playoffs.
Following the Decision Day finale, the Real Monarchs are scheduled to return to action in the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season, which is scheduled to start in February.
