Football Season Review

A season that promised much ended on a slightly disappointing note for Vancouver who failed to progress past the Conference semifinals stage in the playoffs for a second time in last three campaigns. After a disappointing 2016, coach Carl Robinson changed tack by dropping a pacy counter attacking system to a more traditional playing style and it paid rich dividends as Vancouver challenged for the top spot in the Western Conference for large portions of the campaign. Robinson looked to have finally solved the search for a reliable goalscorer with Fredy Montero enjoying an excellent season for Vancouver and top scored with 14 goals from 29 starts. With Christian Bolanos and Cristian Techera proving pace down the flanks and Yordi Reyna making the No.10 spot his own once he overcame his lengthy injury spell, Vancouver have a pretty decent attack though Robinson will hope to bring Montero back after the striker returned to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda after his one-year loan came to an end. Vancouver have been busy building up their roster early ahead of the new season and have further bolstered their attack by bringing in Kei Kamara while Anthony Blondell's acquisition means they are well stocked up front even if Montero does not arrive for a second season. Robinson has confirmed the club is in talks with a number of players whose contract option was declined at the end of the campaign, including Matias Laba and Bolanos, and the Vancouver coach will be keen to keep the core of the team together as he looks for a more sustained shot at the top spot and a longer run in the playoffs next season

Player of the Season: Kendall Waston