Vlatko Andonovski, ex‑US women’s coach, was announced Thursday as the Chicago Stars’ new chief soccer officer.
The Stars sit 5‑17‑2, already out of playoff race. They dismissed coach Martin Sjögren last month and let GM Richard Feuz go in May.
He said, “The talks with ownership sealed my decision to join Chicago,” Andonovski added. “Their vision matches my belief in how the game should be played and what the club needs to thrive.”
Andonovski left the Kansas City Current last week. He had joined the NWSL side for 2024 and was promoted to sporting director in late 2025.
Last season the Current captured the NWSL Shield, posting 65 points and 21 wins, while allowing only 13 goals and recording 16 clean sheets.
Across three NWSL clubs he earned Coach of the Year honors in 2013 and 2019, and guided the now‑defunct FC Kansas City to titles in 2014 and 2015.
Stars president Karen Leetzow praised the hire, noting ownership seeks a proven winner who understands league dynamics. For my money, Andonovski is the catalyst Chicago needs.
Andonovski led the U.S. from 2019‑23, earning a Tokyo Olympic bronze before resigning after a round‑of‑16 loss to Sweden at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Can the Stars rise to contend next season?