Andonovski Takes Rebuild Mantle With Chicago Stars

What's happened

Vlatko Andonovski has moved from Kansas City to Chicago as sporting director, as the Stars overhaul their staff after a dismal season. The change aligns with ownership’s rebuilding plan, aiming for a playoff run next year.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• Andonovski’s appointment signals a strategic pivot from coaching to a broader sporting leadership role, aligning with Chicago’s ambition to rebuild the roster and attract talent.
• The Stars have a history of near-miss finishes in the playoffs, and ownership is using a marquee hire to signal seriousness about a title pursuit.
• This move could accelerate player acquisitions, given Andonovski’s connections within US Soccer and the NWSL, but success will hinge on effective recruitment and on-field performance.
• Forecast: with new leadership in place, expect rapid staff reshuffles and targeted signings to reshape the squad for a postseason push next year.

How we got here

Andonovski’s departure from Kansas City follows a mutually agreed transition as the team shifts from coach to sporting director. Chicago Stars owner Laura Ricketts acquired the club in 2023 and is driving a broader rebuild. The Stars finished 5-17-2 with a -40 goal difference and were eliminated from playoff contention in the current season.

Our analysis

From the New York Times Business and AP News reports, both detailing Andonovski’s hire, the team’s recent playoff miss, and the leadership transition under Karen Leetzow.

Go deeper

• Will the Stars make a major signing in the next transfer window?
• How will the new leadership affect Chicago’s scouting and development pipelines?
• What high-impact departures or arrivals are expected in the off-season?

More on these topics

• FC Kansas City - Former soccer club and National Women's Soccer League franchise in Kansas City, Missouri, USA

  FC Kansas City was an American professional women's soccer club based in Kansas City, Missouri. The team was one of the eight founding clubs of the National Women's Soccer League in 2012, and began play in 2013. They were two-time NWSL champions, having won titles in 2014 and 2015. After the 2017 season, the NWSL re-acquired owner Elam Baer's membership interest and subsequently ceased the team's operations.

• Vlatko Andonovski - Macedonian-American soccer player

  Vlatko Andonovski is a Macedonian-American soccer coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of the United States women's national team.