Chicago Stars FC appoint Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer to lead rebuild
The appointment signals a structural shift for the franchise as it seeks to stabilise its sporting strategy following a turbulent season.
Chicago Stars FC have appointed former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski as the club’s Chief Soccer Officer, a role established for the first time in the franchise’s history. The announcement, released on Thursday, marks a significant move in the club’s third year under new ownership led by Laura Ricketts, as it seeks to define its long-term sporting identity.
Andonovski, who recently departed his role as Sporting Director at Kansas City Current, will oversee all technical and sporting strategies. His mandate includes leading the search for a new general manager and head coach, positions that have been vacant following the mid-season dismissal of Martin Sjogren and Anders Jacobson, and the earlier departure of general manager Rick Feuz in May.
Club president Karen Leetzow confirmed that Andonovski has the autonomy to make these key hires. “I think the stability part has really been the biggest challenge for me in making sure that we had something to build on,” Leetzow said. “Vlatko has the freedom to make the choices he needs to make in terms of those positions, and I’m going to support him in every way I can.”
The appointment comes as the club approaches a second consecutive last-place finish in the National Women’s Soccer League. With seven games remaining in the 2026 regular season, the Stars face the Washington Spirit on Sunday. The hire is viewed as a critical step in undoing years of front office disarray that characterised the club’s previous ownership era.
Andonovski brings extensive experience to the role, having won two NWSL Championship titles with FC Kansas City and the 2025 NWSL Shield with the Current. He also served as head coach of the USWNT, leading the team to an Olympic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. His return to the league’s executive ranks reflects a focus on institutional rebuilding rather than immediate tactical adjustment.
In outlining his vision, Andonovski emphasised the need to create a distinct club identity that resonates with fans and staff alike. “We have to define what Chicago Stars are going to be identified by,” he said. “We want to create a team that when fans come and watch us play, they know that these are the stars.”
