What you need to know:
* The Panthers will open their 20-match schedule with a pair of exhibition matches next week.
* GSU will head to Charlotte on Aug. 7 and host Presbyterian College on Aug. 12.
* Georgia State returns 15 players and welcomes 16 newcomers.
ATLANTA- The Georgia State women's soccer team began preparing for the upcoming season Wednesday, gearing up for two exhibition matches before the start of regular season play on Aug. 18.
The Panthers' first test of the season will come at Charlotte, when the team takes on the 49'ers in the first of two exhibition matches. Charlotte won the C-USA title in 2016, earning a bid to the NCAA College Cup before falling to Duke in the first round.
“The Charlotte match will test us and we can see where we stand early on,” head coach Ed Joyce said.
The team will have one home exhibition match, hosting Presbyterian College on Aug. 12, before opening the regular season at UAB. GSU will open the home slate against Kennesaw State, hosting the cross-town rival on Aug. 20.
The Panthers return key starters Brooke Shank and Brie Haynes from last year's squad, as well as five other starting players. Shank led the team in scoring with four goals in 2016 and scored the game-winner over rival Georgia Southern. Haynes posted nine shutouts last season, tying for first in the Sun Belt and ranking fourth in the country.
“Brie returns as a fifth-year senior in goal, so obviously we're looking to her to do a good job,” Joyce said. “Brooke was our leading scorer last season so she's going to be pivotal in what we do moving forward.”
The team will welcome back Suzanne Arafa and Siobhan Wilson from redshirt seasons and two junior transfers, adding experience to 15 returners from last year.
The Panthers have the largest freshmen class since the start of the program in 1994, with 14 newcomers rounding out the 31-member squad.
“We return a lot of players who have contributed in the past, but we also have a lot of new players who are versatile and can play several positions,” Joyce said. “I'm excited to see how it comes together. The conference is improving every year, so it's up to us to keep getting better every day.”
GSU will kick off at Charlotte at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7. The team will host Presbyterian College on Aug. 12, with first kick at 2 p.m. Admission to the GSU Soccer Complex and parking are free to all fans.
