SMITHFIELD, RI– Rhode Island FC have transferred defender Stephen Turnbull to Birmingham Legion FC for an undisclosed fee.

Stephen Turnbull is a 26-year-old, 6’0, 174lb, defender from Holtsville, New York.

At the club level, Turnbull has appeared in 76 career games (5,557 minutes) across the United States. Turnbull went to Stony Brook University (2016-21) where he made 55 appearances. While in college, Turnbull also played for AFC Ann Arbor (2018-19) of the USL League Two. In 2022, it was announced that Turnbull had signed with MLS NEXT Pro side New York City FC (2022-23). After his team option was declined by New York in December of 2023, Turnbull was a free agent. He signed with Rhode Island FC ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. Birmingham Legion FC will be his 3rd professional club.

In career numbers, Turnbull has tallied 10 goals and registered 8 assists along with 15 yellow cards and 0 red cards.

On January 20th, both clubs confirmed that they had come to a transfer agreement for the defender.

Commenting on the move, Rhode Island FC Head Coach & General Manager Khano Smith stated, “We want to thank Stephen for his contributions to our club and wish him the best moving forward. He will always have a place in Rhode Island FC history.”

Turnbull appeared in all 34 regular season matches for RIFC with 31 starts in 2024.

Birmingham Legion President & General Manager Jay Heaps stated, “We are thrilled to have Stephen join Legion FC,” President and General Manager Jay Heaps said. “Right back was a position we focused on this offseason, and he has the ability as a strong defender, as well as the versatility to get forward.”

“I am very excited to be joining Birmingham Legion FC,” said Turnbull. “I look forward to helping the team achieve its goals and win a lot of games in front of the fans at Protective Stadium. I’m also excited to meet the team and get acclimated ahead of the new season.”