Vlatko Andonovski steps down as USWNT head coach
US Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski will be resigning from his post in the upcoming days, sources close to 90min confirm.
The decision comes after Sweden shockingly eliminated the American team in the Women’s World Cup round of 16, the earliest ever exit for the Stars and Stripes. The reigning champions entered the international tournament as favorites to make history and clinch their third consecutive trophy, but struggled throughout the group stage before losing 5-4 in penalties during the knockout match.
Though the USWNT dominated throughout the game against Sweden, holding 58 percent of possession and recording 22 shots on goal, the team failed to convert any opportunity to force a 0-0 stalemate. Players on both sides missed attempts, with Sophia Smith, Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara failing to convert the shot for the Stars and Stripes. Ultimately Lina Hurtig’s final strike made the difference.
Andonovski was subject of constant criticism throughout the tournament, failing to make substitutions when necessary and opting for a defensive take on the game. The coach chose not to utilize his talented bench, leaving several key figures without minutes at the World Cup. NWSL stars Ashley Sanchez and Alana Cook failed to make the field, while Kristie Mewis, Alyssa Thompson and Sofia Huerta saw extremely limited time.
The manager’s contract with US Soccer is quickly coming to an end, after signing a four year deal in 2019 but recent results will expedite his exit.
Following the team’s elimination, he answered briefly about his future as a leader of the team.
“I think it’s selfish to think about me, my future, what I’m gonna do, when we have 20-year-old players going through the moment, going through this situation,” he said.
“I want be there for them. I love them. I love them all. And they’re my players, but they’re my friends. We spent four years together. They got their first caps with me. They got their first national team call-ups with me. We spend times, tough times, good times. So I don’t want to see them like that. That’s all I think about.”
