Curl finally got his goal with 16 minutes, 36 seconds left and added another with 4:48 to play, helping Haddon Township (22-3-1) seal its first state title in program history in a 3-1 win over Waldwick (17-6-2) in Sunday's Group 1 state title game at the College of New Jersey.
"The key is that once we got ahead we played solid defense," said Haddon Township coach Jim Bonder. "That's what we did all season, and I couldn't be more proud of these guys. We fought hard for 80 minutes."
After a first half of near misses, Kevin Kasilowski netted a goal with 35:18 left in regulation to put Haddon Township up by 1-0.
Curl had an assist on the goal as Kasilowski sent a volley with his left foot into the far corner of the net.
"We were getting opportunities," Kasilowski said. "And it was comforting that we were getting those opportunities, and I knew we would eventually get one."
Curl's first goal came after an aggressive run to the net before beating Waldwick keeper Zach Neugebauer with a shot to the far post.
The goal put Haddon Township ahead, 2-0, and the Hawks appeared on their way to a comfortable win.
But Waldwick found another gear, and it took everything the Hawks defense had to retain the lead.
With 12:13 left in the game, Rikuo Nakamoto netted a shot from distance to pull the score to 2-1. The minutes following the goal again saw Haddon Township's defense come up big.
"All season long, we were fueled by our defense," said Haddon Township coach Jim Bonder. "It was a great game, and we had so many players come up big."
Finally, with 4:48 left, Curl again found himself one-on-one with the keeper and put in the insurance goal.
"We play as a team," Curl said. "And we won this together. It's a great feeling and a great win."
Haddon Township had the better of play for most of the contest. The game was kept close thanks to a strong showing by Neugebauer, who recorded six saves in the first half and nine total.
Neugebauer was lying on the ground when he stopped Curl's first open look, which was a poke to the far side of the net.
Three similarly big stops helped ensure a scoreless first half - setting the stage for a complete effort by the Hawks in the final 40 minutes.
"I can't even explain what it's like to win this game," Kasilowski said. "It's a surreal experience. It's like nothing I've ever felt before."
Haddon Township 0 3 – 3
Waldwick 0 1 – 1
Goals: HT–Kevin Kasilowski, Zack Curl 2; W– Rikuo Nakamoto. Saves: HT–Brendon Anderson 4; W–Zach Neugebauer 9.
Contact Chris Melchiorre at rallysports@phillynews.com.
