Washington, (UNI) Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down as coach of USA’s women’s national team after mutually agreeing with US Soccer to part ways.
The news comes after the four-time champions were defeated by Sweden in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, resulting in their earliest-ever exit from the global finals.
The 46-year-old had been at the helm of USA since Jill Ellis stepped down in 2019. Twila Kilgore has been named as the interim head coach while US Soccer search for a replacement, the FIFA reported.
“It’s been the honour of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years,” said Andonovski. “I’m very optimistic for the future of this program, especially considering all the young players that got opportunities over the past few years who will no doubt be leaders and impact players moving forward.”
“While we are all disappointed by the outcome at this year’s World Cup, I am immensely proud of the progress this team has made, the support they’ve shown for each other, and the inspiration they’ve provided for players around the world. I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team,” he added.
U.S Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone added: “We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Vlatko for his dedication to the Women’s National Team.”
USA will now look ahead to two friendlies against South Africa in September.
