Andonovski appointed to lead Chicago Stars sporting structure
Former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has been named chief soccer officer for the Chicago Stars FC, a strategic move to stabilise a club currently in last place.
Chicago Stars FC has appointed Vlatko Andonovski as its chief soccer officer, a decision the club describes as a major statement of intent. The former head coach of the United States women’s national team takes on the role to oversee the sporting structure of a National Women’s Soccer League side that is currently struggling to find form.
The appointment follows Andonovski’s departure from the Kansas City Current earlier this month, where he had served as sporting director. The Current acknowledged in a press release that the transition into that administrative role “was not the right fit” prior to the 2026 season. Andonovski’s move to Chicago marks a rapid return to the league’s front office after a brief period out of work.
The Chicago Stars face a significant challenge, sitting in last place with five wins in 24 games. The team’s performance is underscored by a league-worst goal differential of -40, a figure that contrasts sharply with the second-worst team, Racing Louisville, which sits at -12. The club appears poised to finish at the bottom of the league for the second consecutive season, prompting a review of its sporting leadership.
Stars president Karen Leetzow stated that the search for a new head of sporting initiatives was driven by a need for a “proven winner” with a thorough understanding of the league’s mechanisms and standards. Leetzow noted that ownership and executive leadership remained steadfast in their belief that the club required someone who understood what it takes to be a serious contender for titles.
Andonovski brings extensive experience to the position, having won back-to-back NWSL championships with FC Kansas City in 2014 and 2015. He subsequently coached the Seattle Reign in 2018 and 2019 before leading the USWNT from 2019 to 2023. Although his tenure with the national team did not result in Olympic or World Cup titles, his reputation as an elite NWSL coach remained intact.
His recent work with the Kansas City Current saw him lead the team to a record-breaking 65-point season in 2025, setting marks for wins and fewest goals conceded. In a club release, Andonovski described joining the Chicago Stars as an “easy decision” after discussions with ownership, citing alignment with the club’s vision and values. He expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with the staff and players to push the club forward.
