Hardly a surprise, Vlatko Andonovski will now lead the best team in the world and have an early test in just over a week with Sweden, a historic foe Nov. 7 in Columbus. The 9th coach in team history follows a number of legends in Anson Dorrance, Tony DiCicco, Pia Sundhage of Sweden & of course Jill Ellis, not an easy task by any means. At just 43, he takes the reins following a highly successful run in all 7 years of the NWSL now he gets to scratch that 7 year itch with a team of rock stars. A pair of titles in the top league in the world to go with the same number of NWSL Coach of the Year awards, including in this past season leaves him well poised for success at the international level. Carlos Cordiero, USSF Pres. stated "We are thrilled to welcome Vlatko to the the US Soccer family." The holder of the new title of USWNT GM, legendary player Kate Markgraf contributed "Vlatko was the best fit with his experience with elite players. I know all the players and staff are excited to begin this new chapter in Women's National Team history." He must get to it now as he selects his side for the last pair of games on the year, the last of which with Costa Rica lead by Raquel Rodriguez from Sky Blue on Nov. 10 in Jacksonville. Late Jan. a real test presents itself with the Concacaf Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Coach stated "First, I want to sincerely thank US Soccer president Carlos Cordiero, our Women's National Team General Manager Kate Markgraf and US Soccer Director of Sporting Development Earnie Stewart for this opportunity". Out of his native Macedonia, he had a half dozen years in their national league. 2000 saw him in the states with the Wichita WIngs, a historic name in indoor soccer then of the NPSL, then onto the KC Comets under Sporting KC asst. Zorin Savic, California Cougars & Philadelphia of the MISL, a 2X All-Star in the league.
Kwik Kixx:
-The USWNT has been #1 for all but a few months since 2008.
-Vlatko is the 3rd youngest HC behind April Heinrichs the former player for the team was 36 and the still coaching, then 35 year old Anson Dorrance.
-A holder of an USSF A license, an NSCAA GK & Premier Lic., Vlatko also just last year graduated Ohio University & completed his US Soccer Pro License Course.
-Coach has 165 NWSL games coached, good for a 72-50-43 record, he is tops in games and 2nd in wins.
-A top game was with Makedonija GP in the UEFA Inertoto Cup, later the UEFA Europa League.
-Graduated Park Univ. with a BA in Business Admin & Mgt.
Coach with USSF President at a USSF Insider event post press conference.