Moments ago, New York City FC announced they signed defender Stephen Turnbull to a First Team contract. The 25-year-old is the first NYCFC II player in club history to sign with the First Team.
The right-back made his MLS debut against the Chicago Fire on Matchday 2, and featured again in NYCFC’s electric 1-1 away draw with New England Revolution on Matchday 6. Turnbull had to sign short-term contracts with the First Team to be eligible to play in those games, and according to MLS rules no player may “appear in no more than two league season matches.” By signing a First Team contract, Turnbull will now be eligible to play with NYCFC throughout the season while still making appearances for NYCFC II.
The defender joined NYCFC II last year after playing for Stony Brook University. He adds depth to the defense, serving as NYCFC’s third-choice right back after Mitja Ilenič and Tayvon Gray.
Here is the complete statement from NYCFC:
New York City Football Club Sign Defender Stephen Turnbull to Short-Term Loan New York City Football Club today announced that it has signed Defender Stephen Turnbull to a Short-Term Contract, joining on loan from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate New York City Football Club II (NYCFC II). Per MLS rules, the Short-Term Contract allows clubs to sign players on loan from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate for MLS, U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions League and exhibition matches. A player can sign a maximum of four Short-Term Contracts per season and appear in no more than two league season matches. Turnbull took part in this year’s preseason with the First Team and impressed with his play. 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. This year he was called up to be part of the roster for the trip to Chicago Fire, entering the game late on for his MLS debut. Turnbull will join the team ahead of its away match against Houston Dynamo today. Transaction: New York City Football Club sign Defender Stephen Turnbull to a Short-Term Contract.
