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MLS NEXT Pro Real Monarchs

Real Monarchs Sign Three RSL Academy Standouts to Professional Contracts

January 4, 2024 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Real Monarchs today announced the signings of three RSL Academy standouts to MLS NEXT Pro contracts for the upcoming 2024 campaign, as 17-year-old attacking MF Izzy Amparo joins a pair of 15-year-olds - right wing FW Omar Marquez and fellow U.S./Mexico dual national DF Juan Gio Villa - moving up the Club pyramid.

Izahi "Izzy" Amparo, 17, joins Real Monarchs from the RSL Academy, where he appeared in U17 matches during the 2022-23 season. The dual-national U.S. / Mexico midfielder is a homegrown talent for the club, first appearing for RSL AZ's U12/U13 teams before being invited to join the Real Salt Lake Academy at the beginning of the 2020/21 season. In Amparo's first year with the club, the U15s won the inaugural MLS NEXT Cup, where Amparo recorded an assist 15 minutes into the final match.

"It is with great pride that the Real Monarchs welcome Izzy as a professional," said Tony Beltran, RSL's Assistant General Manager. "Since arriving on our campus, Izzy has shown a professional maturity well beyond his years. His work ethic, character and devotion to his craft remain an inspiration to both staff and players. Congratulations to Izzy and the Amparo family on this step forward. We look forward to the time ahead and his continued development with our Club."

A native of Yuma, Ariz., Amparo made his pro debut in 2022, appearing for the Monarchs during a MLS NEXT Pro regular season match. In the last two seasons, Amparo has appeared in 10 matches for the squad, five of them being starts.

Omar Marquez, 15, joined the Real Salt Lake Academy in July, 2022, from Sacramento Republic FC as a free transfer. In his first season with the Club, Marquez played for the U15s, with the right-footed winger scoring three goals in nine appearances last season, adding one goal in two caps for the United States Youth National Team. Marquez has earned a starting role on RSL Academy's U17 squad for the 2023-24 season.

"All at RSL share pride in congratulating Omar and his family on signing as a professional," says Beltran. "Omar's on-field conviction to compete is clear and contagious. Combined with his character and work ethic, Omar possesses key attributes to meet the challenges ahead of him. We look forward to continuing to support Omar along his developmental path."

Born in Sacramento, Calif., Marquez has been a part of the United States Youth National Team setup, most recently appearing in the U15 CONCACAF Championship accompanied by RSL Academy teammate GK Will Mackay, DF Juan Gio Villa, and Real Monarchs MF Luca Moisa. The squad defeated Mexico 4-2 to claim the League A title.

Juan Gio Villa, 15, now joins Real Monarchs from the RSL Academy, where he appeared for the U15s during the 2022-23 season, before moving up to the U17 squad for the 2023-24 season. The dual-national U.S./Mexico right back was acquired from the Chicago Fire FC Academy in 2022 on a free transfer.

"During his time on our campus Gio has been an exemplary footballer and citizen. His determination on the field is complemented well by his choices off, as he continues to excel in all areas of challenge. It is the Club's privilege to congratulate Gio and his family on this step forward and to continue to support his development in the years ahead," said Beltran.

Villa has been a regular participant for his national teams during his career, appearing twice for the Mexican Youth National U15 team before making nine appearances for the United States Youth National U15 team. Most recently, Villa was called up to the U16 USYNT with two other RSL Academy players - Camron Estala and Axel Uriostegui - for the team's week-long training camp in Carson, California last November.

TRANSACTIONS: Real Monarchs sign trio of RSL Academy players - attacking midfielder Izahi "Izzy" Amparo, right winger Omar Marquez and DF Juan Gio Villa - to MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts on January 4, 2024.

Player Information

Name: Izahi Amparo

Position: Attacking Midfield

Height: 5' 8"

Date of Birth: November 23, 2006

Age: 17

Birthplace: Yuma, AZ

Citizenship: United States & Mexico

Player Information

Name: Omar Marquez

Position: Forward / Right Wing

Height: 5' 8"

Date of Birth: February 21, 2008

Age: 15

Birthplace: Sacramento, California

Citizenship: American

Player Information

Name: Juan Giovanni Villa

Position: Defender / Right Back

Height: 5' 5"

Date of Birth: January 3, 2008

Age: 15

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Citizenship: United States & Mexico

Real Monarchs concluded the 2023 season - its second in MLS NEXT Pro - at 8W-15L-5T (31 points) under the leadership of former RSL legend, Head Coach Jamison Olave. The Monarchs look to build on their late success of the 2023 season in 2024 empowered by the league's youngest roster (by average age) in the entire league.

Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or visiting www.RSL.com/tickets.

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