New York, N.Y., April 7, 2023 – New York City Football Club (NYCFC) today announced that it has signed Defender Stephen Turnbull to a First Team contract through 2023 with options for 2024 and 2025.
Turnbull becomes the first New York City Football Club II (NYCFC II) player to sign a First Team contract, as well as the 39th player from MLS NEXT Pro to sign a Major League Soccer (MLS) First Team deal. The right back made his MLS Debut this season against the Chicago Fire on Matchday 2 and entered the game this past weekend against the New England Revolution on Matchday 6. This season, Turnbull joined the First Team on a series of Short-Term Loans from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate NYCFC II.
Sporting Director David Lee said: “We are delighted to sign Stephen to a First Team contract. We have seen the progression Stephen has made since joining NYCFC II last season, and have been impressed with his technical ability, work ethic and quality he brought in preseason and in his stints with the First Team this season.
“With Stephen becoming the first NYCFC II player to sign a First Team contract, it’s a huge testament to MLS NEXT Pro and our competitive player pathway to develop talent that is ready to compete and contribute to the First Team. Stephen is an excellent example of attracting local talent into our ranks and helping them progress their career to play a significant role at the Club. We look forward to seeing Stephen’s continued progression and development with the First Team.”
Defender Stephen Turnbull said: “I am excited to have signed with NYCFC. They are a Club which have helped me grow as a professional on-and-off the field since the day I joined. I want to thank David Lee, Nick Cushing and the rest of the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to live out my dreams of playing professional soccer.
“This is just the beginning; I look forward to working hard every day to continue to get better and help this team compete for trophies across all competitions this season.”
Last season, the defender featured for NYCFC II after signing from Stony Brook University in February of 2022. In 23 games, the attacking fullback scored five goals and provided four assists with an 82.6% passing success rate in 1,992 minutes played.
Transaction: New York City Football Club sign Defender Stephen Turnbull through 2023 with options for 2024 and 2025.
