NY Empire FC Announces Historic Signing of Former NYCFC Defender Stephen Turnbull

NY Empire FC has secured one of the most significant signings in club history with the addition of former NYCFC defender Stephen Turnbull, bringing Major League Soccer experience and a proven professional pedigree to Long Island.

Turnbull, a Long Island native and Stony Brook University graduate, joins Empire FC after a professional career that has included time at the highest levels of American soccer. He previously played with New York City FC in Major League Soccer, competing alongside some of the top players in the league and gaining invaluable experience at the sport’s highest domestic level.

Following his time in MLS, Turnbull continued his professional career in the USL Championship, featuring for Birmingham Legion FC and Rhode Island FC, two of the league’s most competitive clubs. Known for his defensive intelligence, composure on the ball, and leadership on the field, Turnbull brings a level of professionalism and experience that few players at the level possess.

For NY Empire FC, the signing represents a major step forward as the club continues to elevate its ambitions and build a roster capable of competing at the highest levels of the UPSL.

“This is a massive moment for our club,” said Head Coach Max Ferro. “Stephen has played at the very top of the American game. Bringing in a player with MLS and USL Championship experience who is also a Long Island guy makes this even more special. He understands the game, he understands the culture here, and he raises the level of everyone around him.”

Turnbull’s return home adds another powerful storyline to the signing. A standout during his collegiate career at Stony Brook University, he developed locally before launching his professional career, and now returns to Long Island to continue competing at a high level while contributing to the growth of the game in the region.

The addition of Turnbull signals NY Empire FC’s continued commitment to raising the standard both on and off the field. With a roster increasingly filled with players who have professional backgrounds and championship experience, the club continues to establish itself as one of the most ambitious programs in the region.

For supporters of NY Empire FC, the message is clear: the club is building something serious.

And with the arrival of Stephen Turnbull, the standard just rose again.