LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team fought back from an early deficit and ended a competitive game with Cal State San Bernardino in a 1-1 tie.

After the Coyotes scored on a free kick in the first half, the Golden Eagles got the equalizer on a penalty kick by Celine Gehrig in the second half of a 1-1 tie in a California Collegiate Athletic Association contest in University Stadium. Cal State LA (7-5-4, 4-4-1) picked up one point and is in a three-way tie for fifth place in the conference with 13 points. Cal State San Bernardino (7-5-4, 5-2-2 CCAA) is in third in the conference with 17 points. 

Six teams will qualify for the CCAA Tournament and two games remain in the conference schedule.

The Golden Eagles were able to withstand a strong start from the Coyotes, who took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute on a free kick from Jackeline Fuentes that was drilled to the upper left corner of the net. The Coyotes also had another golden opportunity in the first half that was cleared out by a Cal State LA defender before the ball went into the net.

Cal State LA, though, began to find its footing and tied the game just 4:55 into the second half. Syra Valdez did a magnificent job drawing a foul in the box that resulted in a penalty kick. She fought her way through two defenders and dribbled into the box before being fouled.

Gehrig made the penalty kick despite a brilliant diving attempt from Cal State San Bernardino goalkeeper Ryann Munoz.

Both teams battled for a go-ahead goal in the second half, but both defenses stood strong and good opportunities were hard to come by. 

Cal State LA finished the game with an 11-10 edge in shots and a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. Lindsey Metcalfe and Kristin Mijares had three shots each for the Golden Eagles, while Gehrig finished with two.

Rihanna Tryels made three saves in goal for the Golden Eagles.

Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a road game at defending national champion Cal Poly Pomona.