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Tagliavini’s Hat Trick Sends #2 MVCC Back to the National Championship, Hawks Defeat #3 Bergen 3–1

Tagliavini’s Hat Trick Sends #2 MVCC Back to the National Championship, Hawks Defeat #3 Bergen 3–1
Posted: Nov 19, 2025

Tagliavini's Hat Trick Sends #2 MVCC Back to the National Championship, Hawks Defeat #3 Bergen 3–1

Herkimer, NY — On a crisp semifinal afternoon with a championship berth on the line, the #2 seeded Mohawk Valley Community College Hawks delivered another poised and disciplined performance in the postseason, defeating #3 seeded Bergen Community College 3–1 behind a spectacular hat trick from Francesco Tagliavini. With the victory, MVCC advances to the NJCAA Division III National Championship match for the third straight year — and once again, they'll meet a familiar rival on the biggest stage.

The Hawks wasted no time asserting their presence. In the opening minutes, MVCC played with urgency and fluidity, pushing numbers forward and forcing Bergen to defend deep. That pressure paid off in the sixth minute, when Tagliavini pounced on a loose ball and fired home an unassisted strike at 6:33, giving Mohawk Valley the early 1–0 advantage. 

Bergen, however, refused to wilt. The Bulldogs equalized just seconds into the second half. At 46:25, Onur Can buried a clean finish off a well-placed feed from Samuel Chevere, pulling the match level at 1–1 and briefly shifting momentum in Bergen's favor.

But as they have all season, the Hawks responded with poise.

With MVCC regaining control of the midfield, playmaker Jorge Angeles threaded a decisive pass into the box in the 55th minute. Tagliavini timed his run perfectly, slicing between defenders and firing home his second goal of the day at 55:01, restoring the Hawks' lead at 2–1.

From that moment on, MVCC dictated the pace. Anchored by a disciplined back line and composed ball movement, the Hawks absorbed Bergen's attempts at a late surge and turned the match into their tempo. The insurance goal came with less than ten minutes remaining. At 80:46, Souayibou Diop delivered a crisp setup to Tagliavini, who buried the finish to complete the hat trick and secure the 3–1 victory.

The whistle confirmed what MVCC had worked toward all season: a return to the National Championship match, and a chance to defend the title they reclaimed last year.

And now, the stage is set.

On Sunday, November 16th at 6:30 PM at Herkimer College, the Hawks will face Dallas College–Richland in what has become one of the premier rivalries in junior college soccer. It marks the third straight year the two powerhouses will clash for the national crown.

The history between the programs only heightens the drama:

  • 2023: Richland took down the Hawks in a 4–0 victory in Gastonia, NC.

  • 2024: MVCC flipped the script, earning a dramatic 2–1 overtime win in Batavia, NY.

  • 2025: The rubber match — with everything on the line.

Two storied programs. Two years of finals split. Countless stars on both sides. A championship at stake once again.

Sunday's showdown promises to be a thriller — a true grudge match for the title.