Real Salt Lake Assistant Sporting Director Tony Beltran announced various Real Monarchs 2027 roster decisions on October 15, following the conclusion of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. The announcement follows the team's 2-1 Decision Day victory over Ventura County FC at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.
Several players have received guaranteed contracts for the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season. These include defender Linkon Ream, a Utah native and RSL Academy standout who logged 17 appearances and nine starts in his debut professional season, and defender Judah Pritchett. Additionally, the club exercised a team option for forward Felix Ewald, the 2026 Monarchs team MVP who played multiple positions throughout the campaign.
Midfielders Liam O’Gara and Izzy Amparo remain in negotiations with the club front office to return for the 2027 season. Meanwhile, a 15-player group loaned from Real Salt Lake during the 2026 season will report back to RSL for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season. This group includes Omar Marquez, Chance Cowell, Diego Rocio, Van Parker, Gio Villa, Max Kerkvliet, Owen Anderson, Antonio Riquelme, Luis Rivera, Lineker Rodrigues, Luca Moisa, Kobi Henry, Griffin Dillon, Juan Jose Arias, and Luis Rivera.
Five players who made their professional debuts during the 2026 season are returning to the RSL Academy: Issac Murphy, Rylan Hashimoto, Nico Silva, Cris Rios, and Kellen Poll. These players are scheduled to face Sonny G next weekend as the RSL U18 squad looks to build upon a seven-match unbeaten streak.
The club released several players, including goalkeeper Trace Alphin, who was permitted to pursue an opportunity with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive. Other departures include Michael Wentzel, Zach Lifferth, Lionel Djiro, Dylan Kropp, and Gio Calderon via declined options or non-renewals, as well as Handwalla Bwana and Hayden Sargis following the conclusion of their loans.
The Real Monarchs roster featured 17 different Real Salt Lake contracted players and nine Real Salt Lake Academy loanees during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season. The club will also benefit from the upcoming 2027 MLS SuperDraft, which previously provided half of the 2026 Monarchs end-of-year award winners, including Liam O’Gara, Max Kerkvliet, and Lineker Rodrigues.
