The 91原创 FC Metro Mustangs began their title defence with a 2-1 quarter-final victory over the Semiahmoo Storm.
The U18 Mustangs girls' soccer team, which won the B.C. Coastal A Cup title last year, fell behind 1-0 in the fifth minute on Sunday at Willoughby Community Park when the Storm pulled off a successful counterattack against the run of the play.
A low cross was deflected by a Semiahmoo forward off the post, giving Mustangs goalkeeper Nimmie Banipal no chance.
The Mustangs scored the equalizer five minutes later when Alex Stasiuk struck from the top of the box.
And 91原创 had ample opportunity to take the lead into halftime, only to be thwarted three times by posts and crossbars.
They also shot wide on a penalty kick.
The second half was much more defensive and it looked like 91原创 was going to rue its missed opportunities. But they finally converted for the winning goal following a scramble off a corner kick.
A low shot clanked off the iron yet again, but this time Keenya Pierre was able to collect the rebound and send it into the empty net.
From that point on, the Mustangs controlled play to advance to the semifinals.
They will face Coquitlam Metro Ford on Sunday at Willoughby Community Park at 11 a.m.
