Goalkeeper: The Kickers had a remarkable season in goal, during which no player recorded more than eight appearances after an early-season injury to Ryan Taylor. Taylor had posted a highly creditable 0.83 goals-against average in seven appearances, but his absence left Richmond relying on help from MLS partner D.C. United in the form of Andrew Dykstra and Charlie Horton. This season should be more stable, with former Ottawa Fury FC goalkeeper Marcel DeBellis and Alex Wimmer – who returns from Europe – competing for the starting position.

Defense: That the Kickers managed to have the third-best defensive record in the league despite a rotating cast in goal behind them paid tribute to the solid back four throughout the year. One of that number has moved on, with All-League First Team selection Hugh Roberts heading to Bethlehem Steel FC, but stalwart William Yomby remains, as do Alex Lee and Braeden Troyer. The addition of Conor Shanosky late last season from Louisville should provide solid cover for Roberts’ absence at center back as the Kickers aim to remain stout defensively, while Evan Lee (FC Cincinnati) and Mallan Roberts (FC Edmonton) should also be good additions.

Midfield: Richmond’s midfield, led by All-League Second Team selection Yudai Imura, brought a good level of creativity and work-rate to the side in 2016, and played a role in disrupting opponents to aid the Kickers’ defensive success. Imura leads a solid returning contingent that also includes Fred Owusu Sekyere and Samuel Asante, both of whom were consistent presences a season ago, while the signings of Irish midfielder Patrick McCann and the continued emergence of Jackson Eskay in his second season with the club should allow for good continuity despite the loss of Brian Ownby to Louisville City FC.

Forward: The 2017 season will mark the end of an era for the Kickers with the retirement of the club’s all-time leading scorer Matthew Delicate. The Kickers have signed former Ottawa Fury FC forward Oliver Minatel to help boost a group that recorded only 33 goals a season ago, and much more will be expected from Anthony Grant (3G, 1A) and Sunny Jane (4G, 2A) after getting properly used to their new surroundings a season.