The USL season kicks off this Saturday when Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) travel on the road to face LA Galaxy II at 2 p.m. PT (watch live on whitecapsfc.com).

Today we look at four potential breakout players for the ‘Caps during the 2017 USL season.

#61 TERRAN CAMPBELL (AGE: 18, HOMETOWN: BURNABY, BC)

Like several of his teammates, Campbell has been with the club since he was a pre-teen. He’s been a consistent attacking performer in the Residency program, leading the U-18s with 20 goals last year. Now, the Burnaby, BC native appears ready to step up and showcase his talents at the professional level.

With Alphonso Davies having moved up and several of last year’s other attacking options such as Daniel Haber and Fatawu Safiu having moved on, the path is there for Campbell to earn himself significant minutes this season. If preseason is any indication, he’s primed to take them.

Physically, he has the attributes to succeed – strong, quick, and technically sound. Having long-time Residency coaches such as Rich Fagan, Steve Meadley, and Raegyn Hall around should also give him a level of comfort and confidence to continue his progression.

#62 DEKLAN WYNNE (AGE: 22, HOMETOWN: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND)

The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top up-and-coming talents on the New Zealand national team. He’s a regular call-up, and late last year he added his second international assist against a very good Mexican side.

When not trying to get his country to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Wynne can be found playing left back for WFC2. The 5-foot-10 defender is a modern fullback with quick feet and terrific crossing ability.

It’s a big year for the Kiwi, for both club and country. With Brett Levis now on the MLS roster and currently out injured, this is Wynne’s time to shine and really show what he can do. Injuries have limited him to 15 total appearances over his first one-and-a-half seasons, but he is now healthy and ready to impress.

Lads! What a ball from Wynne for Rojas to finish #MEXvNZL pic.twitter.com/1QOm3HtgTO — Cam Russell (@CamRussNZ) October 8, 2016

#64 THOMAS GARDNER (AGE: 19, HOMETOWN: NORTH VANCOUVER, BC)

Another young talent who has been in the ‘Caps system since his youth. Nine-years-old, in fact.

Gardner is a central midfielder who has excellent movement and loves to get on the ball. The North Vancouver native keeps the team in rhythm when in possession, finding gaps to play through.

His chemistry is undeniable with his long-time Residency teammates such as Campbell, Kadin Chung, Matthew Baldisimo, and David Norman Jr., making for some truly beautiful footy between them at times.

After earning his pro his debut late in 2015, Gardner made 18 USL appearances last season – including two USL playoff wins. He’s gotten on the radar of the first team as well, traveling with the squad to Wales in preseason.

Now Gardner will look to take another big step forward in his young career.

#40 SEAN MELVIN (AGE: 22, HOMETOWN, VICTORIA, BC)

Another top prospect from the ‘Caps Goalkeeper Union.

Melvin came through the Residency program before playing three seasons of NCAA soccer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Last season, the Victoria, BC native made the jump to the pro level, making eight USL appearances, including clean sheets in his first two appearances.

In January, the 6-foot-4 goalkeeper made his debut with Canada’s senior men’s national team. He was then scheduled to join the first team in Wales, but injury kept him out.

A big presence in net, Melvin is an intimidating sight for opponents. Keep an eye out for him between the posts this season.

WFC2 begin their home schedule on Saturday, April 8 versus Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley, BC, where they play six matches this upcoming season. The first of their 10-match home schedule at UBC Thunderbird Stadium is on Saturday, April 22 versus San Antonio FC. Click here for ticket information.