Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen may eventually get Toronto FC headed in the right direction, but there are no easy fixes after inheriting a mess of a team. The defense—which conceded a league-high 62 goals last year—has already improved with the additions of Danny Califf and Gale Agbossoumonde, but not much else looks promising.

Striker Danny Koevermans is expected to miss the first couple of months of the season with an ACL injury, and the other forwards on the roster do not inspire much confidence. Torsten Frings has retired due to his hip injury—a decision that may actually be a blessing for Toronto if it opens the door for someone younger and healthier. Luis Silva is promising as a playmaker, and Queens Park Rangers winger Hogan Ephraim should provide some excitement. However, the team is otherwise short on players who can create opportunities. Júlio César and Terry Dunfield—the likely pairing in central midfield—combined for just four goals and no assists in 57 matches last year. Although a couple more signings are possible, this team looks short on talent.

EXPECTED FINISH: 10th in the Eastern Conference. The gutting process is near completion, but the rebuilding has just begun.