Last year, the Vancouver Whitecaps learned an important lesson about messing with team chemistry when a team is playing well. Midfielder Barry Robson and striker Kenny Miller were brought in during the summer as Designated Players. From early July through the end of September, the Whitecaps won only two of 14 matches.

Robson’s contract was terminated as part of Vancouver’s effort to rewind the clock. The Whitecaps now enter the new season with a clear vision and a chance for a fresh start. The biggest additions for the Whitecaps were midfielders Daigo Kobayashi and Nigel Reo-Coker. The Whitecaps will be looking for more out of Miller, who has now had time to adjust to MLS, while young players like Omar Salgado, Darren Mattocks, and Camilo Sanvezzo will also play a prominent role in creating chances and scoring. The club wil also have to deal with the loss of Jay DeMerit, who is out after blowing out his Achilles.

EXPECTED FINISH: 6th in the Western Conference. Vancouver looks promising, but depending on so many young players and those new to MLS is a gamble.