Goalkeeper: Sean Melvin returns after making his international debut for Canada this offseason. The 22-year-old made eight appearances for WFC2 a season ago and should be expected to see more action this season. Spencer Richey, who signed this offseason with the Whitecaps from WFC2, could be an option as well after recording 14 regular-season starts and all three postseason contests a year ago, while the club re-signed Mark Village for another season as veteran cover.

Defense: Vancouver’s defensive improvement was a key to its success in 2016, and Sem de Wit returns to lead the group after finishing first on the team with 2,416 minutes of action a season ago. New Zealand international Deklan Wynne and Chris Serban are also back, as is 2016 USL 20 Under 20 selection Kadin Chung after representing Canada at the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship this offseason. Former PDL standout Francis de Vries – who won two PDL championships with the Michigan Bucks and was the No. 28 prospect in the league last season – should be a solid addition, while the signing of Andy Thoma from the Portland Timbers 2 will provide a good option at fullback.

Midfield: Vancouver saw a key part of its midfield move on this offseason as Daniel Haber joined Western Conference rival Real Monarchs SLC. Finding a way to replace that gap in the attack will be important for the side, but it could again call upon Marco Bustos to lead the way creatively. The No. 9 selection in the 2016 USL 20 Under 20, Bustos has scored 14 goals in the past two seasons for WFC2 as the Homegrown Player awaits his opportunity for the Whitecaps in MLS. Among others returning are Thomas Gardner and Will Seymore, while the addition of David Norman Jr. will be one to watch.

Forward: Thomas Sanner had four goals in his first season for WFC2, including a memorable late hat trick against Arizona United SC (now Phoenix Rising FC) that earned him Player of the Week plaudits. After being primarily a bench option a season ago, Sanner is likely to see much more time in the starting lineup after re-signing with the club and seeing WFC2’s leading scorer a season ago Kyle Greig make the move to MLS with the Whitecaps. Gloire Amanda has also appeared for the side this preseason after scoring 14 goals in 27 regular-season games for the Whitecaps FC U18 squad last season.