What you need to know:

* Panthers add five talented players to the team that finished second in the Sun Belt in 2014.

* Newcomers will look to make instant impact for team that returns seven starters.

* Georgia State opens its spring season against Wofford on Feb. 28.

ATLANTA – After finishing second in the Panthers' first season back in the Sun Belt Conference, the Georgia State men's soccer team announced the addition of five newcomers to the program Friday, Feb. 13. The talented group will add depth to a roster that returns seven starters and 12 letterwinners.

"We have added a great group of players that excel both in the classroom and on the field,” head coach Brett Surrency said. “They each embody the characteristics that we look for in future Panthers and we can't wait to get working with each of them.  It was a total staff effort and assistant coaches Jamie Davies and Jack Kimber deserve a huge amount of credit for getting these guys to Atlanta.”

Oliver Haines -- MF -- London, England
	Graduated from Oasis Academy Shirley Park in 2013 and played on the left, center and right side of midfield … Led team to 2012 national championship, beating out 792 other teams … Helped five-a-side team win National Champions League title and received trophy from Zinedine Zidane … Scored match-winning goals against Chelsea and Arsenal academy teams while playing for Crystal Palace FC's academy team … Reached the third round of FA Youth Cup with AFC Wimbledon's youth team … Played reserve football at age 17 against Charlton FC, Reading FC and the Nike Academy Team.
“A tidy and versatile attacking minded player that should give us a different option going forward next year,” Surrency said. “Ollie is the epitome of a student athlete as he is an obvious talent on the field and also a tremendous student in the classroom.”
Max Hemmings -- MF -- Wokingham, England
	Graduated from Bradfield College in 2015 and played primarily as a center midfielder … In his two-year career, scored 27 goals and tallied more than 15 assists for a total of more than 70 points … Played for the England Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) at the under-16 and under-18 levels … Led team to Elgin Capital Southern Independent Schools League championship … Scored all three goals in team's 3-0 win over Hemel Heampstead in the quarterfinals … Recorded a hat-trick in 3-2 victory over Bede's College in semifinals.
“A pure soccer player who will come in and compete immediately for a number of different spots midfield,” Surrency said. “Max is also an excellent student who has achieved a lot of success with the IFSA National Team. We are looking forward to him bringing that international experience into our team in the fall.”
Lukas Joyner -- D/MF -- Macon, Ga.
	Five-year letterwinner at Stratford Academy and Veritas Classical School in Macon, Ga. … Played as both a midfielder and defender … Led team to four straight region championships and two state titles … Found the back of the net in one of two state final appearances … Helped team qualify for state tournament each of the past four seasons … Three-time all-state selection and a four-time all-region honoree … Finished career with 14 goals and 14 assists for a total of 42 points … Also lettered for track team that won 2013-14 state and region championships … An honor roll student.
“Lukas is a competitive and hard-nosed player who should compete in a variety of different roles early in his career,” Surrency said. “Overall, Lukas is the total package: wonderful kid, diligent student and a great player.”
Jon Nelson -- GK -- Dallas, Ga.
	Comes to Georgia State after spending that last two seasons at Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga. … Started 20 games and played more than 1830 minutes in goal for the Vikings over the past two years … In 2014 was a second team All-SAA selection … Finished second in the conference standing in save percentage and second in goals against average while recording 84 total saves … Four-year letterwinner at East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga. … Two-time MVP and all-county selection … Also received two letters in basketball … Member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and Men of Distinction.
“Jon is an athletic goalkeeper who we expect to come into the team and compete for our starting goalkeeper position,” Surrency said. “Jon came in for the spring semester after having a great deal of success at the DIII level.”
Nenad Smiljanic, MF, Barnsley, England
	Transferred to Georgia State after spending two years at the University of the District of Columbia … Appeared in 30 total matches, including 27 starts … Scored 13 goals and registered five assists for a total of 31 points over two seasons … In 2014 was tied for team lead with eight goals, was second with four assists and second with 20 points … Attended from Barnsley College in Barnsley, England … Led his team to a second place finish in the North of England College's league … Holds a level-three diploma in sport development, coaching and fitness.
“Nenad is a talented and technical player that should come in and compete straight away in the middle of the park,” Surrency said. “He joined us this spring which will go a long way in integrating him into our program and philosophies.”

Be sure to check GeorgiaStateSports.com to stay up to date on all men's soccer news throughout the spring. Follow along with Georgia State on Twitter (@GSUMensSoccer) for the latest news.