A marathon 10-player penalty shootout allowed Columbus to make it through to the Metro Women's Soccer League Cup final.
The Burnaby-based premier division women's team outlasted Richmond FC 2-1 in a shootout last weekend to move on to the championship final against league champion Surrey United.
Ten rounds of shooters matched goal for goal until the 10th Richmond shooter clanged a shot off the crossbar, giving runner-up Columbus a trip to the league final on April 1.
Despite an 11-game unbeaten streak from early November, Columbus fell behind Richmond 1-0 following a successful penalty kick after goalkeeper Nicki Turner took out the feet of an attacking player while challenging a through ball in the box. Caitlin Davie scored on the ensuing penalty kick.
Columbus had its opportunities to draw even later in the first half but both shots on goal rang off the crossbar.
In the second half, Columbus had a couple more chances from Kristen Vanderpauw and Ellen Kuyer, but both opportunities were easily handled by the Richmond keeper.
Then with just two minutes left in regulation time, captain Jessica Fleming moved up to the right wing and received a great through ball in the box, which she struck to the top corner of the Richmond goal, sending the match to penalty kicks.
The Metro Women's League Cup final will be held at 1 at South Surrey Athletic Park on April 1 at 1: 30 p.m.
