New York was initially set to begin play in 2010 as an expansion member of the USL First Division, the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.

The team played its first match in the newly formed USL Pro on April 9, 2011, a 3–0 loss to Orlando City.

The blue background with a horizontal white stripe was symbolic of Queens's first Dutch governor Willem Kieft, who acquired the area from the Native Americans.

During the 2012 Presidential election, an anonymous donor paid to put Mitt Romney's campaign logo and slogan across the front of the team's jerseys.

[9] The deal was scrapped before they could wear the jerseys in a game, as FIFA regulations prohibit "political, religious or personal statements" on uniforms.

New York originally had a commitment with Hofstra University to use James M. Shuart Stadium and their state-of-the-art training facilities.

In January 2011 the club announced that Belson Stadium on the grounds of St. John's University in Jamaica, Queens would be the team's home.