Goalkeeper: Carl Woszczynski has been a mainstay in Phoenix for the past two seasons, recording 51 appearances over that span, but he’ll likely be pushed by new addition Josh Cohen, who usurped reigning USL Goalkeeper of the Year Brandon Miller to become the starter in Orange County last season before being the hero in the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinals penalty shootout victory against Sacramento Republic FC. The competition should bring the best out of both this season.

Defense: Phoenix showed improvement defensively in Yallop’s first season at the helm, greatly reducing the number of shots on goal conceded in 2015 as the building process continued throughout the season. English veteran Peter Ramage returns after making 11 appearances a season ago, while new addition Jordan Stewart brings MLS experience and J.J. Greer had two solid seasons with Colorado Springs before his offseason move. Brock Granger and Uchenna Uzo also return after both logging 23 appearances a season ago.

Midfield: Another English arrival, Luke Rooney, quickly established himself as capable of the spectacular in his first USL season, and returns after recording eight goals and five assists. Captain Blair Gavin was also solid, leading the side in minutes played with 2,427, but it’s the new additions to the squad that have brought some real excitement for the new year. Former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips arrives after his time with the New York Red Bulls, while Alessandro Riggi scored 15 goals in the past two seasons for FC Montreal. Both should provide creativity out wide for the club’s forwards.

Forward: TLC is no more in Phoenix, with Tyler Blackwood departing for Sacramento Republic FC and leading scorer Long Tan heading to the Chinese Super League, leaving Chris Cortez as the lone returnee from this group. The club dealt with the departures by acquiring former Mexico international and Chivas de Guadalajara legend Omar Bravo, whose signing brought a major spotlight to the club nationally. Phoenix also signed Mike Seth, who arrives alongside Greer from Colorado Springs, and Jason Johnson, whom Yallop had previously worked with at the Chicago Fire.