Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down as head coach of the U.S. women’s national team.
Assistant coach Twila Kilgore has been named interim head coach while U.S. Soccer conducts a search for a full-time replacement.
Andonovski’s resignation comes in the aftermath of the USWNT’s worst World Cup showing ever, with the team wining just one of four games and exiting in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Sweden.
After the defeat to Sweden, Andonovski was widely expected to depart with his contract set to expire at the end of 2023.
“It’s been the honor of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years,” Andonovski said in a U.S. Soccer statement. “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 USWNT head coach in October 2019, taking over from Jill Ellis after the team won back-to-back World Cup titles.
Things started well enough for Andonovski, who put together 16 straight wins to start his tenure, and won 22 of his first 23 games overall. But that all changed with his first major tournament in charge, the Olympics in 2021.
The USWNT was hammered by Sweden to start the Olympics, and never seemed to fully recover en route to a disappointing bronze medal showing. That put Andonovski under major pressure to deliver at the 2023 World Cup.
However, the USWNT turned in a similarly disappointing showing in Australia and New Zealand, struggling to consistently show the form that saw them enter the tournament as favorites.
Andonovski has reported interest from national teams as well as clubs in the NWSL, where he’s experienced major success coaching in Kansas City and with the franchise now known as OL Reign.
“All of us at U.S. Soccer thank Vlatko for his dedication to our women’s national team over the past four years,” said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker. “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.”
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