Merced, CA – The Hope International men's soccer team (3-0-1) rallied from a late two goal deficit to tie the UC Merced Bobcats 2-2 on a hot Saturday afternoon in Merced.

It was the Bobcats who got off to a quick start as they scored off a corner kick to make it 1-0 just two minutes into the game. After the goal it was the Royals who had the best opportunities, but despite a late chance they were unable to find the equalizer as they went into halftime trailing 1-0. The Royals started the second half with a flurry of opportunities with Dario Robles and Jesus Vargas forcing the Bobcats goalie into two saves. Despite that the Bobcats struck again in the 61st minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Royals weren't deterred though and continued fighting as Tyler Moch found Denzel Barrientos to get the Royals on the board in the 70th minute and pull the score back to 2-1. The Royals seized the momentum and with just under one minute left in the game Diego Lopez laid a great ball across the box to Dario Robles who finished to tie it at 2-2 in the 89th minute. With not much time remaining the clock wound down with the teams finishing tied 2-2. Oscar Sierra finished the game with four saves.

The Royals will return to action on Wednesday, September 7 against Benedictine Mesa at 11:00 AM in Santa Clarita, CA as part of a tournament hosted by The Master's University.