October 24 – NWSL side Kansas City Current have unveiled former US women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski as their new head coach and sporting director. He replaces outgoing interim manager Caroline Sjoblom.
Andonovski has twice won the NWSL coach of the year, and will hope to improve the fortunes of his hometown team who finished the 2023 season second from bottom, five points off of a playoff position.
Andonovski led the now defunct FC Kansas City to back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015.
Kansas City Current only debuted in the NWSL in 2020, with a new and ambitious ownership in the NWSL led by Angie and Chris Long.
The club is building a 11,500-capacity stadium at the Berkley Riverfront Park at a cost of $117 million, which will be called the CPKC Stadium under a just announced naming rights deal. The stadium is expected to open in 2024.
During his four-year tenure in charge Andonovski guided the USWNT to their 2022 Women’s Concacaf Championship win, but later resigned from the USWNT following World Cup disappointment this summer as the pre-tournament favourites were knocked out in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout against Sweden.
Andonovski’s new club was founded during his time as national team boss. He will reunite with goalkeeper Adrianna ‘AD’ Franch, defender Hailie Mace and forward Lynn Williams who were all part of his World Cup squad.
“Kansas City is home, and always will be,” said Andonovski. “This club is very ambitious, and they have an ownership group willing to do what it takes to meet their goals.
“The fans here have always been passionate, and it has been so exciting to see them grow and make Kansas City one of the best atmospheres in the NWSL, and it will only get better in the new stadium.”
“I was impressed by the vision of the club, and was also happy that the opportunity was given to me in the city that gave me comfort in my hardest times.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731633671labto1731633671ofdlr1731633671owedi1731633671sni@g1731633671niwe.1731633671yrrah1731633671