The RSL defensive line gave up 48 goals during the 2015 season – the 2nd most in the Western Conference. Although they were poor, our xGA numbers actually show that RSL outperformed their expected goals against model per game – which is an even more indicting statistic.

One of the only bright spots was right back Tony Beltran, whose performance earned him his second career all-star selection. They've only brought in one defender during the offseason to add to their current roster. Chris Wingert, who previously had success in RSL before his move to NYCFC was brought back to Salt Lake after a disappointing season in New York. Although Wingert might start, the versatile defender has certainly lost a step and struggles to contain pace.

Cassar needs to sure up one of the Western Conference's worst defensive units through shape and discipline, because I can't see them drastically improving with the current group. Nick Rimando in net is as consistent as they come in MLS, and he will certainly bolster RSL's hope for a season with sub 40 goals against totals.

The midfield is the space where RSL has defined their tempo, and have done so efficiently and intentionally over the years. But, this is where they felt the effects of the changed formation the most. Because of Beckerman's lack of mobility, Luke Mulholland had to continually compensate and sag back into similar spaces, and did so with mediocre success.

After departures in recent years of Will Johnson, Ned Grabavoy and Luis Gil, the midfield is just as thirsty for talent as any phase of the game for RSL – and, it wasn't significantly bolstered either. With only one midfield addition signed that has a chance to fight for a starting spot in Sunny Obayan, trust is clearly being shown internally toward the evolving talents of John Stertzer and Adolfo Ovalle.

Although injuries to significant players stunted the performance of RSL's front three, they were still atrocious. A decline in production from every significant offensive weapon spearheaded one of the league's worst offenses. Well, here it goes: tied for worst GD (-10) in the Western Conference, second least GF (38) in MLS, third worst xGF (1.09) in MLS and the leading scorer, Javier Morales, only contributed eight total goals.

Morales can't continue to be relied upon to carry the majority of the offensive load, as the thirty-six year old showed signs of slowing down at the end of last season. The club understands this, and brought in a friendly face in Yura Movsisyan on loan after a six year tour of Europe. I expect Movsisyan to start and produce goals from the central forward position, probably interchanging with Morales or sliding Morales deeper into a #10 role that suits his skill set better.

A healthy Joao Plata makes everyone happy in Salt Lake and nervous around the league. As one of the most electric and unpredictable players around the league when healthy, he has the potential to score 15 goals and 10 assists from a wing position. I think he settles into his isolated space better in 2016 and delivers the form that the league was exposed to in 2014.