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.)