With the addition of Darren Mattocks to the fold, the Vancouver Whitecaps have another reason to be optimistic about next season. If you look up and down their lineup, you see a plethora of potential. Eric Hassli, Camilio, Atiba Harris and possibly Mattocks will anchor the offensive side of the ball, while Jay Demerit and Alain Rochat will anchor the defense.

It’s essentially the same core lineup as last season, give or take a few players, so what’s different about this year?

The biggest reason, other than a short memory, is that all the key players on the Whitecaps are actually healthy for a change, something that couldn’t be counted on last season. Last season, Jay DeMerit missed significant time, as did Alain Rochat. Without the two best defenders on the ‘Caps, the defense usually had more holes in it than Swiss cheese.

Jay DeMerit hopes the club can beat the injury bug this season.

“Well, I think injuries were a big problem last year,” said DeMerit. “You just really hope you can avoid it.”

You have to think that the Whitecaps brass are thinking the same thing, which is why they’ve shored up so much depth on defense. They signed Argentinian defender Martin Bonjour, and Korean National Team star Pyo-Young Lee. Then they took Chris Estridge, a fullback, with their second round pick at the draft last week.

While Demerit acknowledges that the injuries were a problem, he also has given his approval to the moves the Caps have made.

“I think the key to the season is making sure that everyone can stay healthy, including the new additions that we have.”

While a few more players could be added before the season kicks off, DeMerit says he and other Whitecaps players can’t wait to get back on the pitch and get back to work.

“When we left, guys had a bit more of a hop in the step, and they were excited. I think after the months off, we’re all just excited to get back to it.”

If the Whitecaps can stay healthy all season long, there is no reason that they can’t compete for a playoff spot. With the new additions, and returning faces in healthy condition, don’t be surprised if the Caps are better than many people are expecting them to be.