Vlatko Andonovski joins Chicago Stars as Chief Soccer Officer
Vlatko Andonovski, the former head coach of the United States Women's National Team, has returned to the National Women's Soccer League, taking on the role of Chief Soccer Officer for the Chicago Stars. This move was announced by the Stars on Thursday, just ten days after his mutual contract termination with the Kansas City Current.
Andonovski's new position with the last-place Chicago club is effective immediately new Stars CSO. His departure from the Current, where he served as sporting director, was characterized by a brief press release stating the role was “not the right fit,” a statement that surprised many across the NWSL given his extensive history in the Kansas City area.
The Stars are looking to stabilize both on and off the field, having won only five games this season and also finishing last in 2025. This hire follows a series of changes within the club's leadership, including the firing of general manager Richard Feuz, hired in 2024, and the mid-season dismissal of head coach Martin Sjögren in August, who Feuz had brought in before the 2026 season.
Andonovski's NWSL coaching career includes two NWSL Coach of the Year awards and two NWSL championships with FC Kansas City. He has consistently been praised for his ability to build trust with players and staff, a significant attribute in a league that has faced allegations of misconduct by coaches.
Andonovski's NWSL track record
His recent role as sporting director for the Current, from which he departed just ten days prior to this announcement, marked his return to the club level. Andonovski was considered the most coveted free agent in the NWSL market, with reports from ESPN indicating inquiries from several clubs for both sporting director and head coach positions most coveted free agent.
A return to the league
The Chicago Stars, valued at $35.5 million in 2023 under an ownership consortium led by Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, are aiming for a rebuild. The club has been playing at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and plans to continue there in 2027 while seeking a new downtown stadium. Andonovski will now attempt to rebuild a franchise that is just two years removed from Kansas City's record NWSL season rebuild struggling Stars.
Reporting: The Guardian, Yahoo Sports