Vlatko Andonovski receiving his 2014 NWSL Championship medal. (Photo Copyright Patricia Giobetti for The Equalizer)
The SB Nation site Blue Testament reported late Monday that Vlatko Anonovki has accepted another job and will no longer be the head coach of FC Kansas City. The report says the club has not approached the 2013 NWSL Coach of the Year about a new contract, forcing his hand to move on. The state of the current ownership group in Kansas City has been in question for more than a month. The group led by Minnesota businessman Elam Baer is not expected to be part of the league in 2018 and a sale could lead to the relocation of the two-time NWSL Championship winning club.
Andonovski confirmed to The Equalizer Tuesday morning that he was leaving FC Kansas City.
Andonovski, who was born in Macedonia, was named FC Kansas City’s first coach on December 5, 2012 with little more on his resume than some experience coaching the youth game and men’s indoor soccer. But he quickly took hold as coach of the Blues who played attractive soccer right out of the gate in 2013. Andonovski built his side around Lauren Holiday who was named MVP in an FCKC sweep of league awards in the inaugural season. That included Andonovski being named Coach of the Year.
FC Kansas City lost the Shield in stoppage time of the final match of 2013 and then lost their semifinal in extra time to the Thorns after leading 2-0. The club then acquired Amy Rodriguez and won the next two NWSL Championships with Rodriguez scoring all three goals in the two finals and six total goals across four playoff games.
Injuries and retirements prevented FC Kansas City from returning to the playoffs either of the last two seasons. In five seasons, Andonovski has amassed a record of 47-36-27 plus 4-1-0 in playoffs. He is the only coach to have won the NWSL Championship twice.
