Title: Vlatko Andonovski Steps Down as USWNT Coach, U.S. Soccer Yet to Reveal Future Plans
Subtitle: U.S. Soccer faces questions and scrutiny as it begins search for new head coach
Byline: [Author’s Name]
[City, Date] – Vlatko Andonovski’s departure as the head coach of the USWNT has been officially announced by U.S. Soccer. Despite the team’s early exit from the World Cup in the round of 16, the mutual agreement between Andonovski and U.S. Soccer seems amicable. The decision was widely expected following the team’s loss to Sweden on penalty kicks, with only the logistics of terminating his contract before the end of the year remaining uncertain.
However, Thursday’s official news release from U.S. Soccer raises more questions than it answers. While the appointment of Twila Kilgore as interim coach has been confirmed, no further information has been provided about the rest of the coaching staff. Additionally, it remains unclear why Kate Markgraf, the general manager of the women’s program for U.S. Soccer, was not mentioned or involved in the process.
The federation’s statement also fails to communicate a timeline, process, or any indication of what they are seeking in a new head coach. Furthermore, a significant development in the federation’s Sporting Department, which reportedly led to changes in role and scope, is mentioned without providing any details. Matt Crocker, who was recently hired as U.S. Soccer’s sporting director, has not disclosed how these changes may have affected the women’s program.
Crocker, who officially took on his role on May 28 after departing from Southampton FC earlier than planned, previously stated that he was still in the learning phase regarding the USWNT and the women’s program. His initial priority was to hire a head coach for the USMNT, which resulted in the return of Gregg Berhalter. Now, Crocker’s focus shifts to the USWNT and finding a suitable replacement for Andonovski.
Drawing from his experience in the hiring process for the men’s national team, Crocker emphasized the importance of factors such as style of play, leadership approach, relationship building, and a coach’s ability to create and drive a vision and identity. With disappointing performances in the 2021 Olympics and the 2023 World Cup, establishing a clear vision and identity for the USWNT has become crucial.
U.S. Soccer claims that Crocker has conducted an in-depth analysis of the women’s national team program and developed a long-term strategy. However, no details have been released to the public as of yet. The absence of information about U.S. Soccer’s plan for investment in player development, talent identification, youth national teams, grassroots soccer, coaching education, and the NWSL has left fans and stakeholders in the dark.
While this undertaking is undoubtedly immense, U.S. Soccer must provide clarity and transparency moving forward. With upcoming friendlies scheduled for September and the Olympics looming on the horizon, the organization has deadlines to meet in terms of presenting its strategic outlook and plan. Failure to provide direction would not only hinder the team’s preparations but also place undue pressure on the players and interim head coach to address questions meant for U.S. Soccer’s leadership.
The clock is ticking, and U.S. Soccer must take swift action to address the concerns and uncertainty surrounding the USWNT’s future.
[Author’s name]