The No. 11 state-ranked Las Positas College men's soccer team fell behind early but was able to battle back and play visiting No. 14 Merced College to a 1-1 tie on Friday in Livermore.

Merced (4-1-1) jumped ahead 1-0 early, getting a goal from Felipe Lopez in the fifth minute of play.

But the Hawks responded shortly after. Adolfo Trujillo beat Merced goalkeeper Adrian Bracamontes with his shot in the 10^th minute for the equalizer and his sixth goal of the season.

LPC Head coach Andy Cumbo was proud of his defense's play after Merced's early strike.

"Griffin Lafleur, Shawn Chacko, Christopher Magagnini and Eduardo Topete worked very hard defensively," said Cumbo. "Tyler Martinez provided a good spark for us while displaying his versatility."

L:as Positas closed out its non-conference schedule with a 6-1-1 overall record. Up next for the Hawks is their Coast Conference opener at Cañada College on Tuesday (Sept. 28) at 4 p.m.