Canadian striker Van Parker scored two goals to lead the Real Monarchs to a 2-0 shutout victory over Colorado Rapids 2 at Zions Bank Stadium on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The win marked the first time the Monarchs secured a victory since March 22.
Parker Leads Victory
Parker's performance included the first two professional goals of his career. In the 3rd minute, center back Ruben Mesalles delivered a long ball from the Monarchs' own half that allowed Parker to finish for a 1-0 lead. In the 20th minute, wing back Jack Ottley provided a low cross across the goal face that Parker met first time to secure his brace.
Goalkeeper Trace Alphin helped maintain the clean sheet with a significant one-handed save in the 54th minute of the match. The victory brought the Monarchs' record to 3-4-3 with 15 points in the 10th position of the West division.
End of Losing Streak
The victory followed a period of significant struggle for the club during the spring. In May, the Monarchs suffered a fourth consecutive loss following a 3-1 defeat against LAFC 2 at Titan Stadium on May 10, 2026. That match saw goals from LAFC 2's Matt Evans, Jude Terry, and Tommy Mihalic.
Prior to that stretch, the Monarchs experienced a string of losses including a 3-0 defeat to Portland Timbers 2 on May 3, 2026, and a 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo 2 on April 19, 2026. The loss to Houston marked the team's first home defeat of the 2026 campaign.
Charpie Announces Retirement
The club is also navigating a major leadership transition following the retirement of captain and defender Wes Charpie. The announcement, made on June 22, 2026, stated that Charpie's retirement was effective immediately following a loss to Tacoma Defiance.
Charpie, a veteran with a decade-long professional career, intends to pursue new opportunities within the club. His final professional touch was a game-winning goal scored at Zions Bank Stadium on June 13, 2026, during a 4-1 win over Portland Timbers 2.
Looking Ahead
The Monarchs' recent schedule included a three-match West Coast road trip in late June, with upcoming fixtures scheduled against Ventura County FC and LAFC 2. The team is expected to return to Zions Bank Stadium on July 11 to host Vancouver.
