Goalkeeper: The Switchbacks had to overhaul their goalkeeping lineup this offseason following the departure of USL All-League Second Team selection Devala Gorrick to Saint Louis. Enter Justin Luthy, who spent the past two seasons with the Portland Timbers 2, having previously played for the Timbers U-23s in the PDL. Former University of Denver goalkeeper Dan Jackson will provide competition for the starting spot, but either he or Luthy, who has only five games of professional experience under his belt, will need to find their level quickly.

Defense: While the Switchbacks will have a new goalkeeper this season, he’ll be aided by an experienced back line that sees three of its four main starters return from a season ago. Center back Josh Phillips and fullbacks Jordan Burt and Josh Suggs – who took USL All-League Second Team honors in 2016 – will bring stability to the back line, with Suggs also offering a strong attacking threat down the flank. The question will be which player steps up to fill the gap left by the departures of J.J. Greer and Christian Ibeagha, with young Jamaican Sean McFarlane the most likely candidate.

Midfield: The Switchbacks returned the engine room of their midfield, with veteran Luke Vercollone and Rony Argueta both back for a third season. After Vercollone’s standout season in 2015, it was Argueta who came to the fore for the Switchbacks in 2016 as he provided strong defensive play and distribution in his holding role. The side has also added experience in the form of New Zealand international Chris James, and some serious potential in former FC Montreal player Mastanabal Kacher, who has 36 games in the USL over the past two seasons and notched two goals and an assist last year.

Forward: Aside from the departure of Gorrick, the departures of Mike Seth and Miguel Gonzalez from the Switchbacks’ attack may have been the toughest blow the club suffered this offseason. Seth, now with Phoenix Rising FC, led the side with eight goals a season ago, while Gonzalez, who reunited with brother Daniel in Oklahoma City, continued to shine creatively with six goals and two assists. The Switchbacks do return Aaron King, and have added Jamaican forward Kevaughn Frater on loan and Guam international Shane Malcolm, but the pressure will be on to produce early.