Vlatko Andonovski steps down as USWNT manager after early World Cup exit

Vlatko Andonovski has made the decision to step down as manager of the U.S. women’s national team following an early exit in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN, an official announcement confirming Andonovski’s exit is expected to come from the U.S. Soccer Federation Thursday. A caretaker manager is likely to be in charge for two friendlies against South Africa on Sept. 21 and Sept. 24.

The move comes after Andonovski, who assumed the role in October 2019, led the USWNT to its earliest World Cup exit in history. The USWNT fell to Sweden in the Round of 16 on penalties after entering the tournament as the two-time reigning World Cup champions. Additionally, the team took home a lackluster bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Andonovski finished his USWNT managerial tenure 51-5-9, however, just 3-2-5 in major tournaments.

USSF sporting director Matt Crocker led the efforts in speaking with players, coaches, staff and Andonovski to determine his future. In the end, both parties decided it was best to part ways ahead of Andonovski’s contract expiring at the end of 2023.

Vlatko Andonovski’s USWNT tenure clouded by disappointing results

Cracks in the armor began to show well ahead of the World Cup, as following the disappointing finish at the Olympics, the USWNT dropped three friendlies in-a-row to England, Spain and Germany. It was the first three-game losing streak for the team in 29 years. Andonovski steered things back on track in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup against Brazil, Canada and Japan.

A sudden string of injuries, notably to team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, left the team inexperienced going into the World Cup. Of the squad of 23, 14 were comprised of those making their World Cup debut. The team’s inexperience showed, as they endured a stretch of more than 200 minutes without scoring. In total, the USWNT netted just four goals in four games, failing to find the right combination up front.

The blame has ultimately fallen on Andonovski, who will look to jumpstart his managerial career elsewhere. The 46-year-old is reportedly a candidate for the opening with the NWSL’s Kansas City Current.