Chicago Stars Name Vlatko Andonovski Chief Soccer Officer

The Chicago Stars have hired former USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski as chief soccer officer to lead the last-place NWSL club.

The Chicago Stars hired former United States women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski as the organization's new chief soccer officer. Andonovski, who won NWSL Championships in 2014 and 2015, joins a franchise currently sitting in last place in the league standings. The team is on pace to surpass its 2025 record for the most goals allowed in a single season.

Andonovski became available after a mutual contract termination with the Kansas City Current on Sept. 7, where he served as sporting director. During his tenure in Kansas City, he led the Current to the NWSL Shield in 2025, setting league records for wins, points, and goals scored. He now steps into a Chicago technical department that has been without a full-time general manager since Richard Feuz was fired in May, while head coach Martin Sjögren was dismissed in August.

Chicago president Karen Leetzow, who previously worked with Andonovski at U.S. Soccer, noted that the club has already added staff members with ties to the new executive. Interim technical consultant Kate Cohen and interim director of high performance Garga Caserta both previously worked under Andonovski with the USWNT and the Current.

Andonovski's immediate responsibilities include appointing a new head coach and technical director. He identified a core roster featuring Mallory Swanson, Jordyn Huitema, Julia Grosso, and Sam Staab as a foundation for his project. While his family will remain in Kansas City, Andonovski has already begun evaluating the roster for the 2027 season.