USA have sacked Vlatko Andonovski as manager of their national women’s team, following a disastrous World Cup title defence.
Andonovski succeeded Jill Ellis as manager in Autumn 2019 and led the Americans to Bronze Medal at 2020 Olympics, plus four consecutive SheBelieves Cup titles and 2022 CONCAF W honour after they beat Canada 1-0 in the Final.
The 46 year-old manager however oversaw a disastrous defence of USA’s Women’s World Cup title as the twice-reigning champions narrowly avoided exiting in the Group Stage to Portugal, but suffered a surprise loss on penalties to Sweden in the Round of 16 to crash out of the tournament.
US Soccer has since held an internal review and ultimately decided to part company with Andonovski with immediate effect.
“All of us at U.S. Soccer thank Vlatko for his dedication to our Women’s National Team over the past four years,” commented U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, Matt Crocker.
Crocker nevertheless praised Andonovski for his commitment as he explained: “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.”
Andonovski meanwhile described the chance to be manager of the USA Women’s team as a “honour” and praised the squad as a group of “talented, hard-working players” despite their difficult World Cup campaign.
Andonovski iterated his belief that the USA will bounce back, as he continued: “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.”
The ex Reign FC manager also acknowledged the U.S. Soccer Federation as he concluded: “I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team.”
U.S Soccer have named Twila Kilgore as interim head coach, which sees her step up from her role as assistant coach of the last year and a half, having became the first American-born woman to earn her U.S. Soccer Pro Coaching License in 2021.
U.S. Soccer President, Cindy Parlow Cone added that the federation’s “deepest gratitude” went to Andonovski for showing “dedication” to the team despite an intense period of transition, during which stars like Carli Lloyd has retired whilst young talent like Sophia Smith emerged.
Parlow Cone stated that she believes Andonovski will continue to contribute to the growth of the women’s game within America, as she commented: “We know he will continue to contribute to the growth of the women’s game in the United States and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Crocker will lead the search for a new permanent US Women’s Head Coach with further announcements set to be made when appropriate.
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