WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford men's soccer team signed four players to National Letters of Intent, head coach Tom Poitras announced Wednesday. The Hawks inked a pair of international standouts — Xahne Reid (Clarendon, Jamaica) and Rasmus Karlsson (Lerum, Sweden) — along with two domestic products in Ryan Innes (North Babylon, N.Y.) and Nyrik Antoine (Baldwin, N.Y.).

Reid and Innes both come to Hartford after previous collegiate stops, with Reid transferring from the University of Kentucky and Innes arriving from Binghamton. Both are already enrolled at Hartford and are eligible to begin spring workouts with the Hawks.

Reid was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team in 2015, when he appeared in 18 games, with two starts, and finished with 10 points (three goals, four assists) for the Wildcats. Prior to that, Reid was the 2014 DaCosta Cup MVP and Young Player of the Year in Jamaica. Reid also helped Clarendon College to win the DaCosta Cup title, one of Jamaica's premier high school soccer championships, in 2014.

"Xahne is an exciting player who will be a major asset to the attacking side of our team," Poitras said. "He is a very good one-on-one attacker with loads of skill and will add a different dynamic to the team. Xahne comes in with the experience of two college soccer seasons behind him and we expect he will hit the ground running."

Signing Day 2017: Xahne Reid

Innes also packs an offensive punch. A two-time All-County and All-Conference selection in 2014 and 2015, Innes netted at least 20 goals during each of those seasons at North Babylon High School. He also played with a pair of club teams, NY Hota Thunder 98 and the Long Island Rough Riders, where he was a member of three national championship squads.

"Ryan is a tough, hardworking player who will be a threat in the attack," Poitras said. "He is quick, has good technique and is very tenacious.  Ryan can play as a forward or winger and will compete for a spot in the first 11."

Signing Day 2017: Ryan Innes

Poitras highlighted the benefits of having both Reid and Innes on campus and training with the Hawks this spring. The additional time will give both players an edge as they look to fight for starting roles this fall.

"It is a major advantage for us to have them here this semester, getting settled in with our program and their new teammates," Poitras said. "We are excited to see them perform in a Hawks uniform."

Antoine continues the offensive trend for the Hawks' signing class, having led East Meadow (National Premier League) in scoring as a captain this past fall. In addition, Antoine begins a new chapter in Poitras' coaching history, as he becomes the first second-generation player Poitras has managed. Poitras also coached Antoine's father, Ricardo, at the University of New Haven.

"Nyrik is a strong, fast and technical player," Poitras said. "He will be a big threat in our attack and will add a very physical dimension to the attacking side of the ball. We are excited to add Nyrik to our attacking group of players and expect him to compete immediately for playing time."

Signing Day 2017: Nyrik Antoine

Karlsson rounds out the strong incoming class for the Hawks. He was named Rookie of the Year during his first year in Sweden's second division and has scored more than 30 combined goals during the past two seasons. Karlsson is also from the same hometown as current Hawk Fredrik Ekman, who was a regular starter for Hartford as a freshman in 2016.

"Rasmus will be a very welcome addition to our attack," Poitras said. "He is a forward with good pace, good technique and can score in many different ways. He has a very good soccer IQ and puts himself in good positions in front of goal. Rasmus will be able to hold the ball up for us or be a threat behind the defense.  We look forward to him joining us in August."

Signing Day 2017: Rasmus Karlsson

Coming off their fourth America East Conference championship appearance in the past six seasons, the Hawks are looking to capture their first conference title. The team finished 9-10-3 in 2016, with a strong run in the postseason. Hartford defeated No. 4 New Hampshire and No. 1 Stony Brook on the road before falling, 1-0, at No. 2 Albany in the championship game.

The Hawks lost five seniors from last year's team, and the club's top four scorers. Poitras plans to continue to add to Hartford's 2017 signing class throughout the offseason.