After making steady progress in Carl Robinson’s first two seasons as head coach, the Vancouver Whitecaps took a step back in 2016 and missed out on the playoffs by seven points.

A hectic offseason, an underwhelming attack and inconsistent defense contributed to the Whitecaps’ downfall. Once again, they will be in the market for a goal-scoring striker and a playmaker after a slew of departures during the offseason. Will that be enough to get Vancouver back into the playoff picture in 2017?

Here is a closer look at what the Whitecaps have done and what they still need to complete during the winter:

Who’s In?

Sheanon Williams, Spencer Richey, Kyle Greig

Who’s Out?

Pedro Morales, Marco Carducci, Fraser Aird, Jordan Smith, Blas Perez, Masato Kudo

Draft

1st Round: No. 7 overall

2nd Round: No. 29 overall

3rd Round: No. 51 overall

4th Round: No. 73 overall

Remaining Needs

Like 2014, the Whitecaps’ biggest needs are a striker and a playmaker after the departures of Octavio Rivero and Pedro Morales. Homesickness led to Rivero’s return to Chile and injuries took their toll on Morales, who was not the same player after a magnificent 2014 campaign. Robinson and his staff scouted in South America and Europe in search of replacements, so there should be some movement on that front very soon.

A box-to-box midfielder would also do wonders for Vancouver. Matias Laba typically partnered Gershon Koffie in 2015, but Laba ended up playing beside Morales, Andrew Jacobson and Russell Teibert. Finding a permanent option in the midfield is a must, because the Argentine suffered due to the inconsistency.

Outlook

Sheanon Williams is projected to start at right back, which could prove to be the team’s most important acquisition. Steven Beitashour’s departure to Toronto FC shook up the backline and Robinson continued to rotate the defenders, which led to more goals allowed.

Based on where Robinson has scouted, it would be safe to assume that the Whitecaps will bring in at least one attacker from South America. It’s an obvious assumption, but Vancouver’s playoff chances in 2017 will likely hinge on the scoring production. If the frontline continues to misfire, the ‘Caps could miss the postseason in consecutive years for the first time in club history.