This MLS season has been dominated by headlines about the potential additions of Xavi and David Villa to the MLS, plus the vast improvement of Toronto FC with Jermain Defoe. However, another Canadian team is quietly becoming the most exciting team in the MLS to look.

Former Welsh international star Carl Robinson took over the Vancouver Whitecaps in December 2013 and has asserted himself as a candidate for Manager of the Year. Robinson is definitely a great players coach in that he will never just rely on one or two systems. He develops plans based on his personal and adds players that will fit his formula. When Vancouver parted ways with veteran striker Kenny Miller, many thought it would cost Vancouver its chances as an MLS contender. Instead, the younger players added onto the roster have become a very formidable force.

The addition of Designated Player and Chilean national Pedro Morales provides the Whitecaps with an attacking midfielder who has the tactical ability to find open strikers. In addition, Morales provides quality finishes, which makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league. If not for Arturo Vidal, Morales would be given more opportunity with the Chilean National team. However, Chile's loss is Vancouver’s' gain.

Alongside Morales is Argentine Matias Laba who was dropped by Toronto FC so they could make room for Designated Player Michael Bradley. Laba has asserted himself an excellent defensive midfielder who can lead in keeping possession and clogging the opposition. Many of his great plays occur away from the ball and he has found a rhythm that he could never establish in Toronto. Other players have stepped up as well.

21-year-old Canadian midfielder Russell Teibert is benefitting greatly from playing with tactical players. His improvements in passing and pace will definitely earn him a spot for Canada. 23-year-old Jamaican Forward Darren Mattocks helped make Miller expendable with his clinical finishing. American forward Erik Hurtado, 23, is improving every day and his work ethic and drive make it difficult for Robinson to keep him out of the lineup. Former Danish Superliga goalkeeper David Ousted has become a rock in the net. He reads his opponents well and knows how to communicate with his defenders on set pieces. He will serve as a great role model for 17-year-old Marco Carducci, who already demonstrated his excellent skill against Toronto in a CONCACAF match. Carducci is one name to remember for the future. Carducci is young and confident enough to be looked at by Europe, but perhaps the MLS will be able to keep him as he develops even further.

Former US National Jay DeMerit captains Vancouver. DeMerit went from penniless to being a star in the English Premier League and for the US National team. The knowledge he passes on to his young teammates is as valuable as any Academy Coach. When he eventually retires, Demerit will be, without a doubt, a member of an MLS Technical staff.

As Vancouver Whitecaps continue to evolve as a club, Bell Canada, the shirt sponsor since 2010, must be very satisfied with their investment. To those outside of Canada, Bell Canada is the leading telecommunications company in the great white north (similar to AT&T in the US). By being associated with such a great product, Bell can definitely strive to become a more global brand. A thrilling young club that only joined MLS from the United Soccer League in 2011 can help them reach that goal.