Prediction Panel: See what the pundits are saying about Whitecaps FC's chances in 2015

VANCOUVER, BC – It’s that time of the year!

Who’s going to win the MLS Cup? How about the league MVP? And where will Vancouver Whitecaps FC finish in the Western Conference?

With the 2015 MLS season set to kick off on Friday, followed by Vancouver’s season opener on Saturday, we asked six members of the media to answer these questions and more.

Check out their predictions below and scroll past the table to read their outlook on the 2015 season for Whitecaps FC.  

Jason deVos - TSN (follow on Twitter):

“This could prove to be the year that the Whitecaps finally get some respect from the mainstream MLS media south of the border. Plenty of MLS coaches are admirers of what Carl Robinson and his staff did last season, but the Whitecaps flew under the radar in many respects. If Robinson can find a way for his team to produce the same form on the road as we saw at BC Place for much of last season, I expect the Whitecaps to not only make the playoffs, but also to finish third in the Western Conference, behind Seattle and LA. If I had to pick the best squad of players from the three Canadian MLS teams, I’d go with the Whitecaps; they are the most balanced, dynamic, attacking side of the three, and if last season’s home form is anything to go by, they’re also the most fun to watch!”

Luke Wileman - TSN (follow on Twitter):

“With the offseason additions, the 'Caps are well positioned to build on the strong foundation from last year and secure a home playoff date for the first time since joining MLS. The arrival of Octavio Rivero should ensure the goal-scoring issues from last season are a thing of the past. There is lots of depth as well as quality within the 'Caps squad and they should be an entertaining team to watch with the likes of Pedro Morales, Mauro Rosales, Nicolas Mezquida plus I also expect Kekuta Manneh to be much more consistent and prove himself to be a regular starter at this level. At the other end, Kendall Waston has the potential to be a candidate for MLS Defender of the Year. The West is tougher with the additions of SKC and Houston, but the 'Caps should be strong enough to make the playoffs, despite having an increased number of matches in the CONCACAF Champions League.”

Peter Schaad - TSN Radio Vancouver (follow on Twitter):

“The key issues in 2015 for the Whitecaps will be scoring more goals, and managing what is traditionally their Achilles heel...the summer schedule. This year, they’ll have to factor in the CONCACAF Champions League, a month without home games in June during the Women’s World Cup, and trips to Kansas City and Houston in sweltering August. But if they keep their back line sound, even 10 more goals than last year would put them among the West’s best.”

David Norman - TSN Radio Vancouver (follow on Twitter):

“The Whitecaps are deep in all positions. They are even stronger defensively than last year. So that leaves the biggest storyline down to – Can they score 22-25 more goals this year than last year? Yes. How – set pieces will yield a minimum of four more, Kekuta Manneh will score four more, Darren Mattocks and Erik Hurtado will provide at least what they did last year and the midfield will collectively chip in four more from run of play or direct free kicks. That leaves 12 -15 for one man. Therefore, no pressure on Octavio Rivero – just do what you have been doing in Chile and the Caps will take third spot in the West!”

Perry Solkowski - CTV Vancouver/TSN (follow on Twitter):

“The Whitecaps like all teams come in with such hope, but for the first time the hope is based on hard facts. They were a good side last year, a side that Carl Robinson was given, not one that he picked. This really is his team, with his players, playing his way. No adjustment for Pedro Morales means more consistency. A full year with bigger more aggressive centre backs led by Kendall Waston means a tougher team to play against and added threats offensively off set pieces. I would expect a little adjustment time for Octavio Rivero, which would be a natural thing, but he plays the striker position in a different manner than the team’s other strikers. The squad has never been deeper. The Western Conference will be tough, but expect the entire league to take notice in a hurry of how good this young team has become.”

Michael McColl - MLSsoccer.com/AFTN.ca (follow on Twitter):

“This year's Western Conference is even tougher. For the 'Caps to continue to improve they need to score a lot more goals, while keeping their stingy defence. How soon Octavio Rivero can adjust to a new league could be crucial but others need to step up and catch fire. Mauro Rosales' creativity could be the difference maker. Vancouver have the quality in the squad to close the gap on the best teams in the West but consistency and converting chances will be the huge key to success and at least one home playoff game. The Latino make-up of the squad should also signal an exciting and successful first Champions League campaign.”

Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.