Consider 2011 to be a very distant memory for the Vancouver Whitecaps, as they’re clearly looking forward to 2012. In a city that demands success, the Whitecaps have proved this offseason that they’re not content to sit on the sidelines of MLS soccer and wait to be good; they’ve been aggressive, they’ve had deep pockets, and they’ve acquired some supreme talent in the last couple of months.

The latest addition to the new look Whitecaps is former MLS all-star Sebastian Le Toux, a playmaking Frenchman who can also tickle the twine with powerful shots. In his all-star campaign two seasons ago, Le Toux scored 14 times and added 10 assists. Last season, he dipped ever so slightly, finishing with a solid 12 goals and 9 assists. Before we even go over Le Toux as a player, I’d be remiss to not mention the fact that I love the game plan the Whitecaps have put in place.

They want to win now, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is. You could argue that the Whitecaps, misguided as they were, tried hard to win big last season with the acquisition of Mustapha Jarju. Further proof is that they tried to nab Le Toux from the Philadelphia Union last season, but Philly had no interest in dealing him at that time.

What does that say about this franchise? That mediocre isn’t good enough. I guess that explains the three coaching changes in one season, and the fact that big talent has been brought in to make the Whitecaps offense more formidable going into this season.

Le Toux certainly has the right attitude in joining the squad, as he believes that the team can win now.

“Yeah, I mean I think that the team can be very successful with the roster we have,” said Le Toux.

After a conference call with sports writers, it became very apparent that members of the Philadelphia media were simply shocked that Le Toux would be heading to a Pacific Time Zone. One media member referred to him as “the face of the franchise” in Philly. I don’t know about you, dear readers, but if people that are paid to impartially comment on the game are depressed that Le Toux is a Whitecap, it fills me with optimism and excitement.

Le Toux himself is a very articulate man with a good command of the English language. It didn’t sound like he knew he was going to be shipped out of Philadelphia, but he is very excited to join the boys from Van City.

“I’m 100 percent committed to Vancouver. I know the fans are amazing, and it’s a great city to play in.” stated Le Toux.

So what type of player are the Whitecaps getting? He’s a playmaking forward who is defensively responsible. Obviously his 26 goals over the last two seasons are indicative of his scoring touch, but fans won’t really get a chance to truly understand his prowess on the defensive side of the ball until they see him take the pitch. It should help a Whitecaps team that sometimes looked confused on defense for much of the last MLS season.

The Whitecaps struggled to score goals last season, and one has to think that won’t be a problem this time around. The team could possibly have a three headed monster in Camilo, Le Toux, and Eric Hassli, if Hassli can rediscover the form that made him a fan favourite. If they can perform, if the defense can stay healthy, and if the new additions to the defense can gel early, then the Whitecaps could be serious contenders, rather than pretenders, when the playoffs roll around.