VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps offseason is expected to be busy with Coach Carl Robinson looking to make a few additions and subtractions to his 10-15-9 team that missed the MLS playoffs this season. Vancouver will be looking to turn the chapter on what was a subpar, and disappointing campaign. The Caps came into 2016 as MLS Cup contenders, and fell far short of those aspirations. Left-back Jordan Harvey started 28 games, and scored two goals for Vancouver, he recently spoke exclusively to RedNation Online about what went wrong this season.

"I believe there's a lot of factors that go into that, that's not an easy question to answer," said Harvey. "I think different things that bounced our way the previous season, didn't go our way this year. The expectations were higher, which is fine, and we want that, at the same time, I think we didn't live up to those. I think guys didn't step up in key moments in the season, myself included. That could of pushed us forward in either broke us out of a slump that we were going in, or got us those points needed. You look back on this season particular, more so than others, there's a lot of points that slipped through our fingers. Hopefully we can correct those next year, because normally this club gets off to a fast start, and we didn't do that."

While the Whitecaps struggled for much of the season, one common mainstay in the lineup was Jordan Harvey. In his fifth full season with Vancouver, Harvey was his usual durable and energetic self. Harvey has become a fan favourite for his never give up attitude and strong work ethic game in and game out. Harvey won 2016 Whitecaps FC BMO Player of Year. It's a great accolade that he will never forget. However, it reflects poorly on the team's attacking performances if your left-back is team MVP.

"I think it says a few different things," admitted Harvey. "For myself, it shows that the fans and the club recognizes my contribution, not only this year, but years prior, and the consistency that I bring, which is something at times we lacked this season. At the same time year, when your centre-forward, or playmaker, or your DP (designated player) guys aren't getting the BMO Player of the Year, it's difficult to look at that season and be like it was a success. With that said, I'll take it for what it's worth. I believe it's a huge honour, and I'm going to hang my hat on that for the rest of my career."

The Mission Viejo, California native, believes that Vancouver is not far off from competing as a top MLS team. If Colorado and Montreal can quickly turnaround after equally disappointing seasons in 2015, Vancouver can do the same in 2017. You are never as bad as you think, and never as good. Harvey likes the talent that the Whitecaps have, and adding a few more pieces could do the trick for next season.

"I don't think it's ever a long building process, especially with the talent that we have," said Harvey. "I think we're two, three pieces of the puzzle right away. Like you said, Colorado went from last to first and they have a good chance of winning MLS Cup this year, and being the most consistent team out there, top to bottom."

Supporters, media, and onlookers throughout the league might be on the fence about a quick Whitecaps rebound year. Vancouver needs to address many areas off concern before 2017 MLS kickoff. The team chemistry is a big focal point of interest with many fans wondering if the Whitecaps have become a divided team within. Was the late season David Ousted and Pedro Morales kerfuffle a sign of deeper problems?

"(Laughs) Everything is good," revealed the always optimistic Harvey. "This team has never had bad chemistry. I think with the results, it's been difficult at times. Everybody in this locker-room are good guys, and I think that kerfuffle as you put it, was blown way out of proportion, as far as I'm concerned. I thought it was comical how much it was blown out of proportion. To be honest, altercations happen all the time. We're grown men, we're competing with each other, with other teams, and things like that are going to happen. It happens on a regular basis on every team I've been with my whole career. I thought it was a good thing. I hope it happens more, because that means we're eager to not hold back, compete, and hold everybody to a higher standard."

It was reported last week that captain Pedro Morales did not have his 2017 contract option picked up by Vancouver. If a captaincy vacancy should open up, Harvey would be a terrific candidate to take on the captains arm-band. Harvey has become one of the prominent players fans and media have grown accustom to with the Whitecaps. His durability and commitment to the beautiful game is quite evident and he is one of the most tenured players on the Whitecaps.

If Jordan Harvey is interested in becoming a future Vancouver Whitecaps captain, he wasn't about to share that.

"I know that they didn't pick up his (Pedro Morales) option, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he's not coming back. Which I know that you were trying to get at. There is a chance that he could be back, if he's not, the whole captaincy that's going to be something on Robbo (Carl Robinson). If he is back, it's obviously him."

The 32 year-old Harvey is still waiting to see how his own contractual status will play out with the Whitecaps. He signed a two-year contract extension in August, 2014, with a club option for the 2017 season. Harvey is waiting to see if his option will be picked up for next season. His salary of $165,000 is quite a steal for a starting calibre MLS full-back. Harvey should be back next season, but it's not all set in stone.

"The last couple of months," said Harvey. "I've just been told that my option could be picked up and if that's the case, we'll go from there this season. We'll see."

When the Vancouver Whitecaps do return for fitness testing and the start of preseason training camp, they will be making a few cross-Atlantic journeys. A trip to the U.K., Oregon, and New York awaits what will be a busy February. Vancouver will take on the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, February 22 at Red Bull Arena. Getting in extra preseason games before playing the Red Bulls is something Harvey thinks the Whitecaps need to do.

"I'm excited," said Harvey when asked about Vancouver's overseas preseason plans. "In the past I've gone overseas almost every year. In Philly we went to Greece. It's a regular occurrence up until the last five years in this league. The majority of the teams just go local and have a lot of games amongst MLS teams. I think it'll be great to get out and play other teams besides MLS competition in preseason. I think it's something that we need to do in particular because of the Champions League and it coming so quickly. I think we need more games than normal this preseason. Going overseas to Wales, I've never been, I'm excited. I'm sure the setup is going to be great, I've heard great things so far. Hopefully we'll get one or two days to explore it a little bit. After that, it's Portland, and that one is always the best tournament I've ever been in, preseason tournament. It gets us prepared for that game like atmosphere. Portland, even in preseason sells out."

As the Vancouver Whitecaps look to add pieces to the puzzle. Jordan Harvey is an all out player that the Whitecaps organization can't afford to see go. Harvey all the time is what Vancouver needs more of. You can't fault his effort, he plays to the whistle, and does a lot of the right things.