U.S. Soccer Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher announced March 16 that Columbus Crew Stadium will be the site for the U.S. U-17 national team game vs. El Salvador on May 22 at 4:00 p.m. (ET). The game is the second leg of a two-game home-and-home series that will determine the third and final CONCACAF berth in the FIFA U-17 World Championship, to be held in New Zealand from November 10-27. Mexico and Jamaica have already claimed the CONCACAF region’s other two bids. The game will be part of a doubleheader, and played prior to the Columbus Crew’s Major League Soccer match against the Tampa Bay Mutiny at 7:30 p.m. Admission for the U.S.-El Salvador match will be included with the purchase of a ticket to The Crew’s game with Tampa Bay. “This is an exciting time in U.S. Soccer history,” said Steinbrecher, “The opening of the new Columbus Crew Stadium is a testament to the determination and vision of the Columbus Crew organization and their soccer fans. We are proud to be debuting there in such an important match for our Under-17 national team, and I’m sure it will be the first of many U.S. Soccer games at the first soccer-specific stadium built in America. This is a great day for soccer fans across the U.S.” Both the U.S. and El Salvador squads finished second in their respective groups during CONCACAF U-17 Qualifying earlier this year. Only the top three teams from the CONCACAF region receive invitations to the World Championship, forcing the need for a two-game playoff. Game one will be played on May 9 in El Salvador. The winner of the two-game series will be determined by total goals scored. Game one in El Salvador can end in a tie, but if both teams have equal goal totals after game two, a 30-minute sudden-death overtime period will be played. If the match remains tied, penalty kicks will be taken to determine a winner. “We are pleased to be able to showcase this important match for our country in one of our nation’s finest soccer venues,” said Crew GM Jamey Rootes. “Crew Stadium will provide our Under-17 National Team with a true home field advantage, and give our fans an opportunity to show their support for U.S. Soccer.” The match between the U.S. and El Salvador will be only the second game played at Crew Stadium, following its inaugural match on Saturday, May 15, when The Crew hosts New England at 7:30 p.m. The 22,500-seat stadium is currently under construction on the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center, and is the first major league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United States. For more information on tickets to the May 22 doubleheader, fans may call (614) 221-CREW.