From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Vlatko Andonovski joins Chicago Stars as chief soccer officer
The former USWNT coach takes over a struggling NWSL team that has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
In brief
The former USWNT coach takes over a struggling NWSL team that has already been eliminated from playoff contention. Andonovski, a proven winner with multiple league championships, is tasked with rebuilding the Chicago Stars from the ground up after a disastrous 5-17-2 season. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Former USWNT coach joins Chicago Stars
Vlatko Andonovski has been named chief soccer officer of the Chicago Stars, taking over a team already eliminated from playoff contention this season.
Stars in crisis mode
Chicago has a 5-17-2 record and was eliminated from playoff contention. The team fired coach Martin Sjögren last month and let go general manager Richard Feuz in May.
Andonovski's track record
He won NWSL Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2019, and led FC Kansas City to league championships in 2014 and 2015. He coached the USWNT from 2019 to 2023.
Recent success with Kansas City
Last year, Andonovski's Kansas City Current team won the NWSL Shield with 65 points and 21 victories, conceding just 13 goals with 16 shutouts.
“Last year, Andonovski's Current team claimed the NWSL Shield and set regular-season records with 65 points and 21 victories.”
Why he left Kansas City
Andonovski parted ways with the Kansas City Current last week after joining the team ahead of the 2024 season and moving to sporting director in late 2025.
USWNT tenure and exit
Andonovski coached the U.S. women's national team from 2019 to 2023, leading them to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics before resigning after a round of 16 loss to Sweden at the 2023 World Cup.
Andonovski's vision for Stars
He said joining Chicago was an easy decision after conversations with ownership about the club's direction, vision, and values that align with how he believes the game should be played.
“Everything I heard aligns with the way I believe the game should be played and what the club needs to be successful.”
Stars ownership's expectations
Stars president Karen Leetzow said the club needed a proven winner with deep knowledge of the NWSL and what it takes to compete for titles.
“any future head of our sporting initiatives must be a proven winner with a thorough understanding of this league”
Rebuilding the structure
Leetzow said the Stars will continue to build and expand their sporting structure under Andonovski's leadership to bring the club up to the level of their ambitions.
Three NWSL stops
Andonovski has worked for three different NWSL teams during his career, bringing experience across the league's landscape.
The essence
Andonovski, a proven winner with multiple league championships, is tasked with rebuilding the Chicago Stars from the ground up after a disastrous 5-17-2 season.
