Chicago Stars sign Vlatko Andonovski as new

Chicago Stars sign Vlatko Andonovski as new

According to Sports.

Background

Vlatko Andonovski returns to the NWSL after previously serving as athletic director of the Kansas City Current. His accomplishments as a coach and athletic director, including two NWSL championships, make him a key player for the Chicago Stars, who are in desperate need of a fresh start. The signing comes at a critical moment for the club, which has only won five games this season.

Why this is important

The signing of Vlatko Andonovski as sports director of the Chicago Stars is a crucial step in revitalizing the recently struggling NWSL club. With his extensive experience and success in the league, he could make a decisive contribution to player development and the stabilization of the team. Given the current challenges, including poor performances in the table, his influence on the team is of great importance.

Key findings

• Chicago Stars sign Vlatko Andonovski as new.
• Vlatko Andonovski has been hired as sports director of the Chicago Stars to revitalize the recently struggling NWSL club.
• Chicago Stars make a splash as Vlatko Andonovski joins as chief soccer officer.

The Chicago Stars have hired a new sports director, Vlatko Andonovski, to get the recently stumbling NWSL club back on track. The former sports director of the Kansas City Current is returning to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) after he had to leave the Current ten days ago due to a mutual contract termination. Andonovski, who has twice been named NWSL Coach of the Year and won two championships, brings a wealth of experience with him. He has made a name for himself through his ability to build trust among players and staff, an essential quality in a league that has struggled with allegations against coaches in the past. The Chicago Stars won only five games this season and finished last in the table. In 2025 they also finished the season in last place. Richard Feuz, who was hired as general manager in 2024, was fired this year, and Martin Sjögren, who was hired as coach before the 2026 season, also had to leave in August. The signing of Andonovski comes at a critical time as the club looks to stabilize both on and off the pitch. This season, the Stars are playing at Northwestern University Stadium in Evanston, Illinois, and plan to play there again in 2027 while they look for a new stadium downtown. The ownership group, led by Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, purchased the team in 2023 at a valuation of $35.5 million. Andonovski was considered the most sought-after free agent in the NWSL market. According to reports, several clubs had shown interest in recruiting him as either a sporting director or coach. His departure from the Kansas City Current and the manner of the announcement caused surprise in the NWSL, especially given his long association with the Kansas City area. Andonovski was born in North Macedonia in 1977 and moved to the Midwest in 2000 as an indoor soccer player, where he played for the Kansas City Comets from 2001 to 2005 and later coached the team before moving to women's soccer. With the previous Kansas City team (FC Kansas City), he won championships in 2014 and 2015. His success there and with Reign FC in Seattle led to his signing as coach of the U.S. Women's National Team in 2019. However, his success at the international level was limited, as he led the team to just a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics and left the program after a disappointing exit in the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup. After returning to the Current as coach and athletic director, Andonovski led the team to one of the best regular seasons in NWSL history in 2025, where they won 21 of 26 games and moved 21 points clear of first place in the table to win the NWSL Shield. But in the playoffs they failed in overtime in the quarterfinals against eighth-placed Gotham FC. In November last year, Andonovski took over the role of athletic director while Chris Armas took his place as coach. This season, the Current have struggled following the departure of several key players and are currently in seventh place, just two points above the playoff line.

What happens next

Andonovski will focus on strengthening the Chicago Stars during the current season and potentially making strategic decisions in the transfer market. The fans and the club management expect him to get the team on track and lead them out of the current crisis. In addition, his involvement could also include long-term plans for the development of the club and the search for a new stadium in the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Vlatko Andonovski?

Vlatko Andonovski is the new sports director of the Chicago Stars and former sports director of the Kansas City Current.

Which club does Vlatko Andonovski come from?

Vlatko Andonovski comes from the Kansas City Current, where he was a resigned ten days ago due to a mutual contract termination.

Why did Vlatko Andonovski choose the Chicago Stars?

The Chicago Stars have signed Vlatko Andonovski to help get the struggling NWSL club back on track.

When will Vlatko Andonovski officially become sports director of the Chicago Stars?

The official confirmation of Vlatko Andonovski's move as sports director of the Chicago Stars was announced in the current season.

What role will Vlatko Andonovski play with the Chicago Stars?

Vlatko Andonovski, as sporting director, will play a crucial role in stabilizing the club both on and off the pitch.

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