Zach Carroll, Orlando City B

A 2016 USL Cup champion, Zach Carroll made the offseason move from the side that earned the championship in the New York Red Bulls II to the one it put four goals past in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals last year in Orlando City B.

A USL All-League Second Team selection as his standout from with the Michigan Bucks translated quickly to the Red Bulls II backline. Carroll made 25 appearances for the side in the regular season as it held opponents to a league-low 21 goals, and now looks to accomplish something similar for Head Coach Anthony Pulis’ side as it attempts to push higher in the Eastern Conference this season.

Amer Didic, Swope Park Rangers

When he entered his rookie season from NAIA’s Baker University, Amer Didic was likely only on the radar of those in the Sporting Kansas City organization that had scouted the young Canadian. Seven months later, the 22-year-old had made his first appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League, and helped lead the first-year Rangers to a place in the 2016 USL Cup Final.

Now, after earning his first call-up to a Canadian national Team of any kind with the U23’s this week, the pressure will be on Didic to avoid a sophomore drop-off. He will have help in that endeavor, with Oumar Ballo back to allow the tandem to try and continue where they left off, but the pressure and expectations will be much higher for the rangy center back than they were a year ago.

James Kiffe, Sacramento Republic FC

One of the few holdovers from Republic FC’s championship season in 2014 after the roster turnover that has seen typical player movement, and the desire for Head Coach Paul Buckle to put together the pieces that will secure another title, James Kiffe’s role in Republic FC’s back four could be crucial to the team’s success this year.

A former Ventura County Fusion standout, Kiffe’s ability to not only defend his position well, but also get forward up the flank is designed to help pull opposing defenses out of position, and create space for a plethora of strong attacking pieces Republic FC has in its arsenal. Kiffe’s five assists a season ago showed his growing maturity as he moved past 50 regular-season appearances, and more will be expected this year.

Hugh Roberts, Bethlehem Steel FC

In his third season with the Richmond Kickers, Hugh Roberts’ growth came into full bloom. One of two players in the league to play every minute of the season, the center back reached 75 USL regular-season appearances as he recorded only one yellow card over the course of the season.

Roberts’ growth saw him become the marquee offseason signing for Bethlehem Steel FC, which needed help in the back after conceding 43 goals during its inaugural season. Roberts’ arrival to give his younger teammates the leadership they need in the center of defense will be crucial to Steel FC’s playoff hopes, and could come with a bigger reward for the 24-year-old at the end of the year.

Oscar Sorto, Orange County SC

A former U.S. U23 National Team player, Oscar Sorto made the move down the I-405 this offseason from the LA Galaxy to Orange County Blues SC, becoming part of new Head Coach Logan Pause's revamped squad for the new season. A former Galaxy Homegrown, Sorto made 59 appearances for the Galaxy II over the past three seasons, helping the side defeat Orange County on its way to the Western Conference Championship in 2015, but wasn't quite able to make the jump into regular minutes with the MLS squad.

Sorto has proven a solid fullback throughout his time in the USL, and will be a valuable asset for Orange County as it moves into a new era alongside fellow former Galaxy defender Joe Franco. The 22-year-old will also be wanting to prove that he can find another gear this year, with the likelihood that Orange County's MLS partner, Los Angeles FC, will be taking a long, hard look at his potential to join its inaugural MLS roster next year.