September 3, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release
PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC defender Stephen Turnbull has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week following his dominant defensive performance and match-winning goal in the club’s 2-0 victory against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday. Turnbull is the first player in club history to earn the honor three times.
The Holtsville, N.Y. native broke the deadlock in the 71st minute of Saturday’s win, marking his second goal contribution in as many meetings with Birmingham and finding the back of the net for the first time since May 11. With momentum moving in the favor of the Ocean State club, Marc Ybarra sent a dangerous cross into the 18-yard box that found the feet of forward JJ Williams, who took one touch and quickly laid the ball off to a wide-open Turnbull. Running into the box, Turnbull launched a powerful first-time shot straight through the legs of Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel to give RIFC the 1-0 lead, netting his third USL Championship goal to give RIFC all three points.
In addition to his match-winning goal, Turnbull made his presence in the back line known throughout the contest, completing over 70 percent of his passes. Turnbull also provided a tough physical presence for Birmingham’s attackers, winning eight duels and all four of his tackles in a well-rounded performance.
Turnbull is the 18th Rhode Island FC honoree named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week in 2024:
WEEK DATE NAME HONOR
2 March 19 Clay Holstad Team of the Week
3 March 26 Albert Dikwa Team of the Week
5 April 9 Jackson Lee Team of the Week
6 April 16 Jackson Lee Team of the Week
7 April 23 Khano Smith Coach of the Week
7 April 23 Stephen Turnbull Team of the Week
12 May 28 Koke Vegas Team of the Week
16 June 25 Khano Smith Coach of the Week
16 June 25 Stephen Turnbull Team of the Week
16 June 25 Jojea Kwizera Team of the Week
17 July 2 Jojea Kwizera Team of the Week
18 July 9 Frank Nodarse Team of the Week
18 July 9 Marc Ybarra Team of the Week
19 July 16 Albert Dikwa Team of the Week
20 July 23 Zachary Herivaux Player of the Week
21 July 30 Frank Nodarse Team of the Week
July Aug. 7 Khano Smith Coach of the Month
25 Aug. 27 Koke Vegas Team of the Week
26 Sept. 3 Stephen Turnbull Team of the Week
Up next, Turnbull and the rest of the RIFC squad begin the first of a two-match road trip to take on Eastern Conference foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m. Fans can…
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