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Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down as manager of the U.S. women’s national team, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
An announcement from the U.S. Soccer Federation confirming Andonovski’s exit is expected.
Sources added that current assistant coach Twila Kilgore is likely to be appointed as interim coach for two friendlies against South Africa on Sept. 21 and Sept. 24, though that deal has yet to be finalized.
Soccer outlet 90min first reported the news that Andonovski was set to resign.
The move comes in the wake of the U.S. team’s elimination by Sweden in the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the team’s earliest exit from the competition in its history.
Combined with a lackluster bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics, there appeared to be no way forward for Andonovski.
While his record with the U.S. was 51-5-9, his record in major tournaments was just 3-2-5 (games decided by penalties are officially recorded as draws).
Sources told ESPN that the U.S. Soccer Federation leadership spent the weeks since the USWNT’s elimination speaking with players, coaches, staff and Andonovski.
That effort was led by USSF sporting director Matt Crocker, who was hired earlier this year. Ultimately, both parties decided that it was best that Andonovski, whose contract was set to run until the end of 2023, wouldn’t return.
The review of the U.S. women’s team program remains ongoing, sources added, including discussions over USWNT general manager Kate Markgraf’s role moving forward –ESPN.
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Mathew Masinge