Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports activities
U.S. Soccer confirmed on Thursday that Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down as head coach of the US ladies’s nationwide group, as was extensively reported on Wednesday. Andonovski’s contract ran via the top of 2023.
Twila Kilgore will function interim coach of the group till a brand new head coach is employed. New U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker will lead that search, the federation mentioned in an announcement.
“It’s been the honour of my life to teach the gifted, hard-working gamers of the USWNT for the previous 4 years,” Andonovski mentioned in an announcement. “I’m very optimistic for the way forward for this program, particularly contemplating all of the younger gamers that bought alternatives over the previous few years who will little question be leaders and impression gamers shifting ahead. Whereas we’re all upset by the end result at this 12 months’s World Cup, I’m immensely happy with the progress this group has made, the assist they’ve proven for one another, and the inspiration they’ve supplied for gamers all over the world. I shall be ceaselessly grateful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the possibility to teach this exceptional group.”
Kilgore (previously Kaufman) joined Andonovski’s employees as an assistant coach in February 2022 after earlier expertise with the Houston Sprint, U.S. youth groups, and the school recreation. In 2021, she turned the primary American-born lady to earn U.S. Soccer’s Professional Teaching License.
At minimal, Kilgore shall be in command of the group for a pair of friendlies in opposition to South Africa on Sept. 21 and 24.
Andonovski exits with a 51-5-9 file (W-L-T), however was simply 3-2-5 in main tournaments. The U.S.’ exit within the Spherical of 16 on the 2023 World Cup marked the group’s worst end in historical past at a significant match.
“It’s crucial that we proceed to evolve and innovate, and we’re excited in regards to the path that lies forward,” Crocker mentioned. “We perceive the challenges and have engaged with stakeholders from varied corners of our sport – gamers, coaches, and different people inside the soccer panorama. The insights and views gathered throughout these discussions have been instrumental in shaping our forward-looking plan. Our dedication to excellence stays unshakeable, and we consider this strategic plan will set the muse for our Ladies’s Nationwide Group to realize higher heights within the years to return.”
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