Vlatko Andonovski steps down as U.S. women’s head coach, officially

Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down from his position as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team (U.S.WNT), the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Thursday.

The federation said in a press release that U.S. Soccer and Andonovski mutually agreed to part ways.

“All of U.S. at U.S. Soccer thank Vlatko for his dedication to our Women’s National Team over the past four years,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in the press release.

“Vlatko worked tirelessly for this team and has been a strong and positive leader for our women’s program. We’re grateful for everything he has contributed to U.S. Soccer and know he has a bright future in the sport.”

The U.S. lost to Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Women’s World Cup round-of-16 earlier this month, ending the dream of an unprecedented three-peat. The four-time World Cup winner failed to reach at least the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in its history.

“It’s been the honour of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the U.S.WNT for the past four years,” Andonovski said in the U.S. Soccer announcement.

“I’m very optimistic for the future of this program, especially considering all the young players that got opportunities over the past few years who will no doubt be leaders and impact players moving forward.

“While we are all disappointed by the outcome at this year’s World Cup, I am immensely proud of the progress this team has made, the support they’ve shown for each other, and the inspiration they’ve provided for players around the world.

“I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team.”

Andonovski was named the ninth coach in the team’s history in October 2019. He set the U.S. women’s record for best start in history after winning his first 11 games at the helm. He managed the team during its run to a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics.

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Vlatko for his dedication to the Women’s National Team,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in the press release. “We know he will continue to contribute the growth of the women’s game in the United States and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Crocker, who will lead the search for the next U.S. women’s head coach, has named Twila Kilgore as interim head coach. Kilgore has served as an assistant coach for the U.S. squad for the past year and a half.