The start of a new MLS season is upon us, and for that I am incredibly grateful. A new year, a new dawn, limitless potential: it’s all there to be had. However, after the resounding thud and ensuing hangover that was the Whitecaps’ 2016 season, there’s no time for glossy, wide-eyed wonderment. Now, it’s all about putting work in and taking care of business, and that starts tomorrow with the ‘Caps season-opening match against the Philadelphia Union.
We’re a full year removed from the hype and anticipation brought on by the 2015 second-place finish in the Western conference, and the only thing that heightened optimism brought about was an equal level of dismay once the team languished to eight place.