Real Monarchs Assistant Sporting Director Tony Beltran announced several 2027 roster decisions on Thursday, Oct. 15, following the conclusion of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. The announcement comes three weeks after the Monarchs secured a 2-1 Decision Day victory over Ventura County FC at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.
Guaranteed Contracts and Roster Returns
Among those receiving guaranteed contracts for the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season is defender Linkon Ream. The Utah native and RSL Academy standout is entering his sophomore season after logging 17 appearances and nine starts during the 2026 campaign. Ream nearly reached the 1,000-minute mark in his debut professional season and recorded two goals, including a goal on Aug. 23 during a 4-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids 2.
MVP and Defensive Additions
The club also exercised a team option for forward Felix Ewald, the 2026 Monarchs team MVP. Ewald, described by the club as a "Swiss Army Knife" for Head Coach Mark Lowry, demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions across all three lines during his rookie year.
Additionally, defender Judah Pritchett has been granted a contract for 2027. Although Pritchett arrived on the Wasatch Front in mid-September, he did not suit up for the Monarchs during the 2026 season.
Ongoing Midfield Negotiations
Several players are currently in negotiations to determine their status for the 2027 season. Midfielders Liam O’Gara and Izzy Amparo enter the offseason out-of-contract at the end of the 2026 calendar year and remain in discussions with the club front office.
O’Gara, who was named the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, was among several award winners who will benefit from the upcoming 2027 MLS SuperDraft.
RSL Loan Returns
The club also confirmed that 15 players currently on loan from Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake 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.
Their status for 2027 and beyond will be determined at the end of the League year.
Academy Transitions
Five players who made their professional debuts during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season are returning to the RSL Academy. These players are Issac Murphy, Rylan Hashimoto, Nico Silva, Cris Rios, and Kellen Poll.
As the RSL U18 squad prepares to face Sonny G next weekend, the team looks to build upon a seven-match unbeaten streak that opened the 2026-27 MLS NEXT season.
Released and Declined Options
The Monarchs announced several departures as the season concludes. The club has released goalkeeper Trace Alphin, a former MLS SuperDraft pick, allowing him to pursue an opportunity with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive.
The club also declined team options for defender Michael Wentzel, forward Zach Lifferth, forward Lionel Djiro, and defender Gio Calderon. Furthermore, the club will not renew the contract of defender Ruben Mesalles.
Season Performance Overview
The roster changes follow a season where Real Monarchs saw 17 different Real Salt Lake contracted players and nine Real Salt Lake Academy loanees appear in a single 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season match.
In addition to O'Gara's defensive honors, the club noted that Max Kerkvliet won the Golden Glove and Lineker Rodrigues secured the Golden Boot during the 2026 season.
