Rhode Island FC Adds Former NYCFC Defender, Backup Goalkeeper
Rhode Island FC Adds Former NYCFC Defender, Backup Goalkeeper
Rhode Island FC closed out 2023 with two more additions to its growing roster.
Rhode Island FC closed out 2023 with two more additions to its growing roster.
With the beginning of preseason just a few weeks away, both Stephen Turnbull and Jackson Lee will be reporting to Rhode Island soon to begin preparing for the 2024 season. Lee is the second goalkeeper signed by RIFC, joining their first-ever player signing, Koke Vegas. Turnbull brings MLS experience to a growing number of back line options for Khano Smith to select from.
Turnbull spent 2023 with NYCFC in MLS making five starts across 11 appearances and totaling 483 minutes. He moved to NYCFC after a season with their second team in MLS NXT Pro in 2022, a season that saw him score five goals and added four assists. For NYCFC he played in a more advanced wingback position in their 3-4-1-2 formation.
Like recent back line signings, Turnbull looks capable going forward in attacking situations based on his goals and assists in MLS NEXT Pro and his stats from limited MLS minutes. In MLS last year, he averaged 1.68 chances created and 1.12 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
Turnbull is already 25 years old having spent four years playing for Stony Brook University. He became available as a free agent after NYCFC declined his option for 2024.
Lee also has both college and MLS connections as he will join Rhode Island FC jafter having been drafted in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by Los Angeles FC. LAFC has since made a slightly bigger headline goalkeeper signing by acquiring former Tottenham Hotspur Hugo Lloris.
Lee was selected in the first round, 28th overall, after two seasons with West Virginia Prior to spending two years at West Virginia, Lee made 24 appearances over two seasons with George Mason.
In 2023 with WVU, Lee played in all 24 of the team’s games allowing .96 goals per game, making 66 saves, and recorded nine shutouts. Lee was selected for the All-Sun Belt Second Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Second Team in 2023.
The 22-year-old grew up in Australia before coming to the United States and currently holds dual citizenship between the two countries. This should ensure that RIFC does not need to use an international roster spot.
As the calendar turns to 2024 and the days to training camp begin approaching the single digits, these two signings should be followed up with at least a few more in short order.