Vlatko Andonovski

Vlatko Andonovski is a professional football manager and former player, best known for leading the United States women's national soccer team from 2019 to 2023. Born in Skopje, his career began in the indoor soccer leagues of the United States before transitioning to coaching in the National Women's Soccer League. He guided FC Kansas City to two NWSL Championship titles and later managed Reign FC before his high-profile appointment to the USWNT.

Early life and playing career

Vlatko Andonovski was born on September 14, 1976, in Skopje, then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He began his professional playing career in his homeland with FK Vardar, a prominent club in the First Macedonian Football League. In 1997, he moved to the United States to pursue a career in indoor soccer, joining the Wichita Wings of the Continental Indoor Soccer League. His indoor career continued with stints at the Kansas City Attack and the Kansas City Comets in the Major Indoor Soccer League, where he played as a midfielder until his retirement in 2005.

Coaching career

Andonovski began his coaching career in youth soccer in the Kansas City area before moving into the professional women's game. In 2013, he was appointed as the inaugural head coach of FC Kansas City in the newly formed National Women's Soccer League. Under his leadership, the team became a dominant force, winning the NWSL Championship in both 2014 and 2015, with stars like Lauren Holiday and Becky Sauerbrunn. After FC Kansas City folded, he took over Reign FC (now OL Reign) in 2018, leading them to the NWSL Shield in his first season with players such as Megan Rapinoe and Allie Long. In October 2019, he was named head coach of the United States women's national soccer team, succeeding Jill Ellis. His tenure included winning the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, a quarter-final finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and navigating the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. He stepped down from the USWNT in 2023 and was subsequently appointed head coach of the Kansas City Current in 2024.

Managerial statistics

As of the end of the 2023 NWSL season, Andonovski's managerial record includes over 150 matches in the National Women's Soccer League. His regular-season record with FC Kansas City and Reign FC featured a high winning percentage, culminating in multiple playoff appearances. With the United States women's national soccer team, he recorded 51 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, competing in major tournaments like the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. His overall points-per-game average with the national team remained among the highest in the program's history.

Personal life

Andonovski is married and has two children. After emigrating from North Macedonia, he settled permanently in the Kansas City metropolitan area, where he has been deeply involved in the local soccer community. He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation Pro License and is known for his tactical acumen and development of young talent. Outside of football, he maintains a private life, with his family residing in Overland Park, Kansas.

Honours

As a Manager: FC Kansas City * NWSL Championship: 2014, 2015 * NWSL Coach of the Year Award: 2013 Reign FC * NWSL Shield: 2018 United States women's national soccer team * SheBelieves Cup: 2020 * Tournament of Nations: 2021

Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:American soccer managers Category:Macedonian footballers Category:United States women's national soccer team managers