NWSL Seattle Reign FC

Vlatko Andonovski Departs Reign FC; Named U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach

Published on October 28, 2019 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release


TACOMA, WASH. - Reign FC today announced that head coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned his position with Reign FC to take on the role of head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. Andonovski will be introduced on Monday afternoon as the head coach of the U.S. Soccer Women's National Team at a press conference in New York City hosted by U.S. Soccer.

"Teresa and I are thrilled for Vlatko and his family. We are excited that he will have the opportunity to showcase his talents with the best national team in the world," said Reign FC owner Bill Predmore. "During his time with Reign FC, Vlatko exhibited the many attributes that earned him the well-deserved opportunity to coach the U.S. Women's National Team: he has an unmatched work ethic, an incredible intellect coupled with an insatiable thirst for knowledge about the game, and a quiet kindness and humility that makes him not just a great coach, but a great person. He is an inspiring leader, a fierce competitor, and a brilliant strategist and tactician. It has been an honor to have him as part of our organization."

Andonovski is the 10th head coach in U.S. Women's National Team history, replacing Jill Ellis, who chose to retire after winning her second Women's World Cup in July. Vlatko inherits a team that has a record four World Cup titles, as well as a record four Olympic gold medals.

Reign FC enjoyed a 21-11-16 record during regular season play under Andonovski, making the playoffs in both of his seasons at the helm of the club.

Andonovski joined Reign FC ahead of the 2018 season, helping the club return to the postseason for the first time since 2015. He previously led FC Kansas City to two NWSL Championship titles in 2014 and 2015 and was twice named the NWSL's Coach of the Year, first in FCKC's inaugural 2013 season and on Saturday as the 2019 Coach of the Year for his incredible work with Reign FC this season. Overall, Andonovski compiled a 68-47-43 record in his seven seasons in the NWSL.

"While we celebrate Vlatko's time with Reign FC and the fantastic opportunity for him that lies ahead, our focus must now be on naming a new head coach for our organization," said Predmore. "The search for a replacement has been underway for several weeks, as it seemed obvious that this outcome was possible, if not inevitable. While Vlatko will be tough to follow, our objective is to find a coach that will build upon our collective efforts and lead the team to our first NWSL Championship."

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