SLU to Host U-17 World Championship Qualifier

Wizards/Fire MLS Exhibition Match in March

ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Soccer Federation announced today that qualifying for the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship will be staged at Saint Louis University's Robert R. Hermann Stadium from April 18-22. The four-team, Group A qualifying tournament will feature the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team, as well as Canada and the second-place teams from CONCACAF's Central and Caribbean Zones, in a six-game, round-robin tournament in which only the first place finisher will advance to the 2001 Under-17 World Championship in Trinidad & Tobago in September.

"With three match dates, the scrutiny of the international press, and the need to create a positive home atmosphere for our Under-17 team, it was important to find a soccer environment, with a first-rate facility and a strong infrastructure behind it to stage this type of week-long event," said U.S. Soccer Secretary General Dan Flynn. "Saint Louis University fits the bill on all these accounts, and their enthusiasm to host the event will be felt by all the fans and international media in attendance."

Matches are scheduled for April 18, April 20 and April 22 at Saint Louis University's recently renovated Robert R. Hermann Stadium. After producing the bid to host the tournament, the St. Louis Sports Commission will also be involved in the actual staging of the event.

"We are tremendously honored to host the Under-17 teams at our on-campus soccer facility,"said Billiken director of athletics Doug Woolard. "Not only does it allow Robert R. Hermann Stadium and the Saint Louis University campus to be showcased to a national soccer audience, but also on an international level as well."

Tickets for the qualifying tournament go on sale Jan. 31, at all St. Louis area Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (314) 241-1888 or (618) 222-2900. Advance one-day doubleheader tickets may be purchased for $10 general admission and $15 reserved. Series strips to all three match dates also may be purchased in advance for $24 general admission and $45 reserved. For more information, call U.S. Soccer's U-17 hotline at (312) 528-1217.

Saint Louis University also will be the site of a Major League Soccer exhibition match on Fri., March 30, when Hermann Stadium is host to the Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards. Kick-off is 7 p.m. for the match that features three former Billikens. Matt McKeon and Mark Santel play for the Wizards, while Mike Sorber is a member of the Fire. Tickets for the MLS game will be available to the public on Feb. 1, at The Billiken Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Call (314) 977-3182 for more information.