In the first-ever international match at the new Columbus Crew Stadium, the U.S. U-17 national team defeated El Salvador 4-0, in the second-leg of the 1999 CONCACAF playoff series to clinch the third
and final CONCACAF berth in the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship to be hosted by New Zealand, November 10-27. The USA is the only country to have qualified for every world championship since the
first youth tournament in 1985. "It is great to return to Columbus and get a win in a very convincing manner in this awesome stadium. This team always plays to win and today was no exception," said
U.S. coach John Ellinger. "First we had the pressure of qualifying for the world championship but now we will have the pressure of performing well in New Zealand and I am confident this team will do
well." The USA was lead by Oguchi Onyewu who was the USA's leading goal scorer in the home-and-home playoff series with El Salvador, netting three goals in just two matches. Onyewu put the USA on
the board just before half-time, in the 44th minute, off a cross from the left side by DaMarcus Beasley. Onyewu powered his way into the box and headed the ball into the back of the net. "As the
game went on we picked up the intensity and created numerous scoring chances," said Onyewu. "I was in the right place at the right time. Beasley hit a perfect cross and I all I had to do was
re-direct the ball past the keeper." Beasley showcased his individual talent with some crafty footwork giving the U.S. a 2-0 lead in the 54th minute. After blowing by three defenders Beasley
slotted the ball from 6-yards out past El Salvador goalkeeper Christian Blanco. Onyewu and Beasley teamed up again for the USA's third goal in the 59th minute when again Beasley whipped in a cross
that found the head of Onyewu. Onyewu outjumped Blanco as he headed the ball into the net. In the collision with the Salvadoran keeper, Onyewu chipped a tooth, suffered a black eye and had to leave
the match. The USA's scoring sensation Landon Donovan scored his 30th career U-17 goal in the 87th minute after receiving a through ball from teammate Kyle Beckerman and slotting the ball past the
keeper, securing a USA victory and berth in the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Upon scoring the goal Donovan raised his shirt during his celebration revealing a message on his undershirt
addressed to his grandfather who passed away last month, reading 'For you Grandpa, a wish.' "My grandfather passed away last month and never had a chance to watch me play," said Donovan. "That
goal was for him because I know he was watching." The U-17s will now break for the summer and return home this week. The team will regroup in early June for a training camp in New York. The U-17s
next international will be against England on June 27 in Tampa, Fla.
May 22 in Columbus, Ohio USA 4 El Salvador 0. Goals: Onyewu 44, 59, Beasley 54, Donovan 87.
USA -- Countess,
Akwari, Trembly, Yi, Onyewu (Gregorio, 61), Jackson (Kalso, 76), Cutler, Beasley, Beckerman, Cila (Convey, 65), Donovan.
El Salvador -- Blanco, Gudiel, Gonzalez, Quintanilla, Martinez,
Escobar, Carrallo (Leiva, 58), Rivera, Monterosa, Aguilar (Ochoa, 46), Cerrarva.
Yellow cards: USA -- Donovan 27; El Salvador -- Gonzalez 5, Monterosa 31.
Red cards: USA -- Trembly
71; El Salvador -- Martinez 61.
Referee: Peter Predergast (Jamaica).
Att.: 20,000 (approx.). (USA wins 10-1 on aggregate.)
USA U-17 Quote Sheet
COACH JOHN
ELLINGER "It is great to return to Columbus and get a win in very convincing manner in this awesome stadium. This team always plays to win and today was no exception. First we had the
pressure of qualifying for the world championship but now we will have the pressure of performing well New Zealand and I am confident this team will do well."
DAMARCUS BEASLEY "One of the
greatest feelings in the world, especially winning at home at the new Crew Stadium. It is a big load off our shoulders, we didn't want to be the first U.S. team not to qualify for the youth
tournament. Everything is great about the Crew Stadium, the fans, field and atmosphere are first-class. We can beat anyone in the world and can't wait to get to New Zealand to prove ourselves."
JORDAN CILA "It is one of the most memorable soccer moments in my life to be heading to New Zealand to compete against the best teams in the world. This has been a dream of mine for a long
time. We have been together for almost two years and have grown as a team and as individuals on our journey to the world championship. The residency program has accelerated our progress as
professional soccer players on and off the field. We respect all the teams in the world but fear nobody."
KENNETH CUTLER "Our focus has been on qualifying the last six months and now we
can turn our focus on winning the world championship. A lot of pressure has been lifted off our backs today and it feels good to be one of the top sixteen youth teams in the world. Being together
over the last five months at the U.S. Soccer residency program in Bradenton, Fla. has helped this team come together. We have become teammates on the field and great friends off the pitch. It felt
incredible to play in the Columbus Crew Stadium. The stadium is a soccer players dream and I can't wait to play here again."
SETH TREMBLY "It is a great relief to have finally qualified
for New Zealand. We would've liked to have qualified in Jamaica but we weren't ready yet as a team to handle the pressure of caring a nation on our shoulders but we are now and will be in New
Zealand. We have not peaked yet as a team and New Zealand is where we will exceed. Playing in the new Crew Stadium is undescribable. There is an intimate connection that the stadium instills
between the fans and players that brings the game of soccer to life in the USA."
