Five years ago today, Empire of Soccer was born.

The year was 2011. It was a time where the New York Red Bulls ruled the pro soccer roost. A time when New York City FC was nothing but a day dream in Don Garber’s mind. A year where the New York Cosmos were a distant memory revived through apparel.

What a difference five years make.

Back then, the idea behind EoS was simple: to be at the vanguard of New York City’s growing pro soccer community, filling the gap in mainstream soccer coverage by offering breaking news, player profiles, and insightful opinions to the soccer loving fans of our region.

Looking back, I think we have done alright.

The growth of the site has been extraordinary. Comparing our inaugural year of 2011 to 2014, site views and unique visitors have grown a whopping 94%. With that meteoric rise, EoS — an independent operation — has grown to become the media destination for all New York soccer news.

Much of that growth is directly attributed to the passion and dedication of our staff — a top-notch group of objective, soccer-loving writers who bring you the latest on your favorite teams on a daily basis.

But that growth is also due to the readers who passionately bring EoS to life.

As we embark on Year Five (!), we look back with fondness on what we have achieved — and look forward to bigger things to come. Our EoS Radio podcast is nearing its debut. Studio space is being formatted for video content. Shop EoS continues to grow and, in turn, help fund our operations (we are getting ready to reveal new designs for 2016, so keep an eye out for that). The EoS brand may also begin to branch out nationwide (Hi, Florida!). Meanwhile, conversations continue to move forward with potential sponsors as well.

We are proud of where we are and where we are going — and all of this is impossible without you.

To the entire EoS Family – THANK YOU for your unwavering support.

We look forward to another year of footy madness — and are elated to have you along for the ride.

Onward and Upward,

Dave Martinez