While most high-school students were preparing for the SATs and stressing about what university to attend, Tyler Turner had his sights set on a much different target.

Turner, who transitioned to the U.S. Soccer Residency Program from Meriden, Conn. during high school, was instead dreaming of becoming the youngest player to feature in a MLS match. But with no pro contract in sight as each year passed, his goal became nothing more than a faded dream, forcing Tuner to opt for plan B and begin taking a closer look at the multitude of colleges begging for his signature.

However, just as Turner had his mind set on heading to college, future MLS side Orlando City SC presented him with the professional opportunity that he had been eagerly searching for.

The connection with Orlando City came from a relationship formed by Turner and Tommy Redding at the U.S. Residency Program at IMG Academy.

Raised in Oviedo, Fla., Redding was already on Orlando City’s radar and was extended an invitation to preseason training camp in February. After hearing the news, Turner reached out to his fellow U.S. Soccer teammate asking if he could join Redding and the team for a week. Shortly afterward, one thing led to another and both players were eventually awarded MLS contracts prior to turning 18.

“It all happened so quick,” said Turner on his signing. “I came to Orlando, played for a week, and everything just fell into place. It happened in the blink of an eye, but it’s definitely an experience that I’ll always remember.”

Turner only had a brief moment to relish his monumental achievement as a 17-year-old before getting down to business. With defender Bryan Burke still sidelined due to a broken leg, Turner was the likely choice for the starting right-back position heading into the 2014 campaign.

“It’s never easy going from youth football to men’s football,” explained Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We needed to see him out there to see what he could do because it’s going to be a big jump next year, but he’s done really well up until now.”

Making that adjustment was no walk in the park. Not only did Turner have to become acclimated with playing against grown men, but the young defender was also forced to quickly familiarize himself with Heath’s intricate system. The fullback position plays a key role in the gaffer’s tactics, and the rookie defender has to have an understanding of when to go forward and join in on the attack.

“His level of performance has been really consistent,” Heath elaborated. He’s very good at going forward, but sometimes he’s a little too eager. We’ve been working on that in training because I don’t want to curb his enthusiasm to join in and get into the other half of the field.”

Not only has Turner had to get acclimated to coach’s system, but also he has had to learn how to be a professional on the fly. Luckily for him, the veterans along the backline, including Miguel Gallardo, have been there to help mentor the first-year professional.

“To be honest, it’s like I’m living a dream,” Turner continued. “I’m still not accustomed to it. All of these guys are so much older than me, and I’m just trying to take everything in. The whole team is doing everything in their power to not let Tommy and I fall behind or go down the wrong road as a professional by keeping us straight headed and humble.”

With MLS looming in the distance, all of these experiences so far has been crucial for the rookie’s development as a young professional athlete. Turner’s fairytale is far from ending, and he couldn’t be happier with how is young career is currently unfolding.

“Right now coach seems pleased, so I’m happy,” said Turner. I’m in Wonderland and it’s perfect.”