Coming off a season in which Vancouver grabbed the last spot  in the western conference playoffs, 2013 holds high hope for the Whitecaps with a multitude of new additions heading into their third season in the MLS.  The Western Conference’s newest trendy pick Whitecaps have added the likes of Daigo Kobayashi, Nigel Reo-Coker and Johnny Leveron to provide a boost on the pitch.

Vancouver finished last season with an 11-13-10 record, good for 43 points, obviously though not good enough in the eyes of team management, hence the continuing carousel of players.

Among the key off-season acquisitions in Vancouver are the likes of F Erik Hurtado, F Paulo Jr., D Brad Rusin, F Kekuta Manneh, F Corey Hertzog, F Tommy Heinemann, M Kobayashi, D Leveron, and D/M  Reo-Coker.

Hurtado is perhaps the most intriguing newcomer.  During the preseason the rookie has shown more than just the speed he is widely known for.   He has shown the ability to run at defenses from both the forward position and the wing and has shown the ability to create from both areas. Dont be surprised if late season Rookie of the Year talks start in Vancouver surrounding Hurtado.

Returning Brad Knighton may hold the key to Vancouver’s season, the goalkeeper played solid late last year after replacing  Joe Cannon in net and if his play continues he will be a great compliment to an already impressive  back five.

Scoring appears to be the ‘Caps only question mark coming out of camp.  Not if they can score, but how often they will embarrass opposing defenders as Vancouvers attack may be the most electric in MLS.

In the already tough western conference Vancouver has to be among the favourites.  If the busy off-season moves pay off, this could be a very exciting year for the Whitecaps as they chase the Western Crown.