Hunterdon Central boys soccer advances to first Group IV final since 2010

PENNINGTON - For the second-straight game, the Hunterdon Central High School boys soccer team won on penalty kicks.

The Red Devils defeated Washington Township 4-2 in penalty kicks after playing to a 1-1 double overtime tie in the NJSIAA Group IV semifinals on Tuesday at Hopewell Valley High School. In the Central Group IV final just five days ago, Hunterdon Central defeated Marlboro in a shootout, 7-6.

READ: HUNTERDON CENTRAL GIRLS SOCCER ADVANCES TO GROUP IV FINAL 

Hunterdon Central, which has never won a state title, had its hands full with Washington Township (15-9). The Minutemen entered Tuesday's semifinal having won the last two Group IV titles, and their third straight South Group IV crown.

"They did win the last two, but I would never pick a team to beat our team," Hunterdon Central's Jacob Grant said. "I think we have the best center back and goalie combination in the state, the only goal they could score on us was a free kick, so I had confidence in us."

After playing to a 1-1 double overtime tie, the game went to penalty kicks. Martin Menendez and Aidan Cook made the first two penalty kicks for the Red Devils, while the Minutemen's first shot by Jake Logar was saved by Dan Mecadon. Arturo Serano made his shot and the Red Devils led 2-1.

"I know my team is going to put it in the back of the net, so I know I just have to step up once and I know they have my back," Mecadon said.

Josh Bordwick took the third kick for Hunterdon Central and scored, but his goal was called off because he hesitated before he took his shot. Bordwick was allowed to retake the kick, and he scored again to put the Red Devils up 3-1.

MORE: PETERSON'S DOUBLE OT GOAL LIFTS SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD

Chad Yates made his kick for Washington Township, and goalie Vince Romano stopped Matt Slebodnik's shot as the Red Devils led 3-2. Grant took the fifth shot and scored, which gave Hunterdon Central the victory.

"It's definitely tough, but we have the best keeper in the state there in net and we have full confidence in him, we practice (penalty kicks) every day in practice for moments like these and our players show up big like our goalie, he's the MVP," Grant said. "It was pressure but those are the moments you live for, senior year, state semifinals, fifth PK to win the game, I love it."

During regulation, Hunterdon Central took a 1-0 lead with 24:39 remaining in the first half on a goal by Aaron Baxter. With 41 seconds remaining in the half, Logar scored on a free kick to tie the game 1-1.

Logar's goal was the first goal the Red Devils had allowed in six games, and the sixth goal all season.

"They always play awesome, they've given up six goals all season, I think we're going to continue that on to the final," Mecadon said of his defense.

With the victory, Hunterdon Central earned a berth in the Group IV final and will face Scotch Plains-Fanwood at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at Kean University. The Red Devils will have some extra motivation against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, as the Raiders dealt Hunterdon Central (19-1) its only loss of the season, 1-0, back on Sept. 22.

"That was a disappointing loss, just got the better of us," Grant said. "We're going to come for them."

Group II semifinals

Bernards 3, Delran 0: Dan Paez recorded one goal and one assist as Bernards (21-1-1) advanced to the Group II final with its fifth consecutive shutout. Nick Neptune and Nico Arza also scored. Andres Lezme made seven saves. The Mountaineers advanced to their first state title match since 2011 and will face Newton in the final on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Kean University.

Staff Writer Lauren Knego: lknego@gannettnj.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego