USWNT coach Andonovski resigns after W/cup crash
United States women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has quit after overseeing the worst World Cup in the team’s history.
Earlier Wednesday, multiple reports hinted that his resignation was imminent before The Associated Press confirmed the news Wednesday night. US Soccer will likely confirm his departure today.
It comes after the United States knocked out the World Cup in the Round of 16, losing on penalties to Sweden.
The team arrived for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand in pursuit of the ‘three rounds’ – the first team in men’s or women’s football to win three consecutive World Cups.
But they didn’t come close they opened the tournament with a disappointing 3-0 win over Vietnam before needing two draws against Portugal and Holland to secure a place in the knockout stages .
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They even split part of the fanbase at home when several players repeatedly failed to sing the national anthem before games. It’s nothing new for the team but given the size of the stand at the World Cup, it has caused more consternation to supporters than usual.
The Americans played well in the Round of 16 against Sweden, but eventually fell on penalties after a scoreless tie. The United States only scored four goals during the tournament.
The United States had never finished worse than third at the World Cup.
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According to ESPN, Andonovski has a range of offers to make a quick return to football at club and international level. One is apparently from Kansas City Current in the NWSL
Andonovski, 46, was named United States coach in October 2019, succeeding Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back World Cup titles.
He finished 51-5-9 during his time with the team and was 3-2-5 in major tournaments.
It wasn’t just the World Cup that hurt Andonovski’s chances of keeping his job. The United States also finished with a disappointing bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.