USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns as U.S. Soccer tabs Twila Kilgore as interim boss

• Andonovski steps aside
• USWNT crashed out of World Cup in round of 16
• U.S. set to face South Africa in September

WHAT HAPPENED? Andonovski's fate was sealed the moment the USWNT fell to Sweden in the round of 16, confirming their worst-ever World Cup performance. His contract was reportedly set to expire at the end of the year, and had been a foregone conclusion that a new coach would be brought in to usher in a new era.

Andonovski made it official on Thursday, confirming that he's stepping down as Matt Crocker has named assistant coach Trila Kilgore to the role of interim manager as the coaching search begins. Kilgore, formerly Kaufman, has been a USWNT assistant for the last year and a half and was the first American-born woman to earn U.S. Soccer's Pro Coaching License.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The 46-year-old Andonovski was criticized throughout the World Cup for his tactics and substitutions, or lack thereof in terms of the latter. His inability to figure out the midfield until the round of 16 was a mark against him, but it was the lack of goals that effectively doomed the USWNT, who ended up falling on penalties to Sweden.

Andonovski had been in charge of the USWNT since 2019, and ESPN is reporting that the coach is already drawing interest from the NWSL's Kansas City Current.

WHAT THEY SAID?: "It’s been the honor of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years,” said Andonovski. “I’m very optimistic for the future of this program, especially considering all the young players that got opportunities over the past few years who will no doubt be leaders and impact players moving forward.

"While we are all disappointed by the outcome at this year’s World Cup, I am immensely proud of the progress this team has made, the support they’ve shown for each other, and the inspiration they’ve provided for players around the world. I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team.” 

Added Crocker on the coaching search: “It's imperative that we continue to evolve and innovate, and we are excited about the path that lies ahead. We understand the challenges and have engaged with stakeholders from various corners of our sport – players, coaches, and other individuals within the soccer landscape. The insights and perspectives gathered during these discussions have been instrumental in shaping our forward-looking plan. Our commitment to excellence remains unshakeable, and we believe this strategic plan will set the foundation for our Women's National Team to achieve greater heights in the years to come." 

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT? The USWNT will be back in action in September for two post-World Cup friendlies against South Africa.