General: Very athletic and quick forward...A prolific goal scorer...Possesses great field vision...Good strength.

As a Freshman: Selected to the MAAC All-Rookie Team...Started nine games in 19 appearances...Had one goal and two assists...Scored the gamewinning goal against St. Francis (9/16).

Before Siena: Lettered four years of varsity soccer at Garden City H.S....Was a member of the Terryville Fire club team who won the 2007 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship (U-18)...Posted the game winning goal in the national semifinal contest.

Personal: Born July 17, 1989...The son of Joseph and Debra Tavernese...Has two younger brothers, Vincent and Christopher...Chose Siena over Iona, Lafayette, Marist, Fairfield, Manhattan, Stony Brook and Rutgers.

Elliott on Tavernese: "Joe is a technical player and knows how to finish. He's good in and around the box and will see considerable time at forward."