Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Stars took a decisive step to turn around their season by hiring former U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski as chief soccer officer. The announcement was made Thursday, with Andonovski officially joining the club ten days after leaving his role as sporting director of the Kansas City Current.
Andonovski inherits a team that currently sits at the bottom of the 16‑team NWSL, holding just 17 points after 24 matches (5‑17‑2). He will oversee the hiring of a new head coach and technical director and will lead an effort to upgrade a roster anchored by USWNT standout Mallory Swanson.
Andonovski’s Vision
Speaking at a press conference, Andonovski told reporters, “Next year, we’re gonna do whatever it takes to be in the playoffs, and the work starts for me — literally — actually, it started a few days ago before I even got announced, when I signed the contract. I feel very confident that we’re gonna bring some good players here.”
Leadership Support
Stars president Karen Leetzow, who previously worked with Andonovski at U.S. Soccer, explained that the hiring strategy focused on bringing in people who have collaborated with him before. “This is exactly how you do this,” Leetzow said to ESPN. “You build all the people that the best would want to work with, and then they want to come and work with you.”
Leetzow also noted that Andonovski was attracted to Chicago after meeting with club owner Laura Ricketts.
Staff Additions and Candidates
Earlier this year, the Stars added former Current technical staffers Kate Cohen and Garga Caserta. One name still being considered for a coaching role is Milan Ivanovic, a longtime assistant who worked under Andonovski in Kansas City. While Ivanovic remains a candidate for the Stars, Andonovski indicated other clubs could also be in the mix.
Andonovski’s Track Record
Andonovski enjoyed three highly successful seasons as the Current’s head coach, guiding the team to a record‑setting 21 wins and 65 points en route to the NWSL Shield last season, though they fell in the playoff quarterfinals. He succeeded Jill Ellis as USWNT coach in 2019 after the team’s 2015 World Cup triumph, but was replaced in 2023 following a disappointing round‑of‑16 exit at the Women’s World Cup.
Recent Changes
The Stars have already made significant front‑office moves, firing general manager Richard Feuz in May and head coach Martin Sjogren in August, signaling a broader effort to reshape the organization.
With Andonovski at the helm of soccer operations, Chicago fans hope the Stars can climb out of the cellar and contend for a playoff spot next season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
