Stephen Turnbull, a native of New York, played his collegiate soccer at Stony Brook University before starting his professional career with his hometowm New York City FC club in 2022 when he was signed to their MLS Next Pro team, NYCFC II. Turnbull appeared in 29 games for NYCFC II beginning in 2022 before singing an MLS level contract for 2023 and earning 11 caps with MLS side NYC FC, including 5 starts.