Football Season Guide

Vancouver Whitecaps just about missed out on a place in the playoffs last season where they had shown some improvement compared to Marc Dos Santos' first season in charge though they remain some way short of emerging as serious challengers for a place in the playoffs. Dos Santos has been handed over the charge of rebuilding the team though there has not been much of a turnover this time around with Vancouver largely able to hold on to the core of their roster. Fredy Montero is the biggest departure with the attacker leaving the club despite forcing his way back into the lineup at the end of last season. Evan Bush proved to be an able backup following Maxime Crepeau's injury struggles last season but has been traded to Columbus Crew. Evan Newton has been signed to provide the depth in the goalkeeping position with Crepeau expected to reclaim his place as the first choice keeper. Caio Alexandre and Deiber Caicedo will be key to Vancouver's fortunes this season with the former expected to provide creativity from deeper position in the midfield while Caicedo is seen as the first choice on the wings. On paper Vancouver do have a lineup that can trouble a number of teams in the league but lack of depth and a suspect defense means they will do well to finish anywhere near the playoffs spots come the end of the season.