Chicago Stars Hired Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer

The club appointed the former Kansas City coach to lead a front-office overhaul following a difficult season.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Soccer

Chicago Stars Hired Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer

Live Poll

Do you trust that new leadership can fix the struggles of your local sports team?

The Chicago Stars have hired Vlatko Andonovski as their new chief soccer officer, seeking to stabilize the organization after two consecutive seasons of poor results. The appointment comes just days after the club was officially eliminated from NWSL playoff contention.

Why it matters

The hire marks a significant attempt to reset the club after persistent struggles and coaching instability. Ownership is looking to leverage Andonovski's deep familiarity with the NWSL and the broader U.S. soccer landscape to spearhead a full team revival.

Chicago scored only 14 total goals this season, with Jordyn Huitema accounting for four of those before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in July. The club also raised $1.55 million through the transfers of Ludmila and Jameese Joseph.

The players

Vlatko Andonovski

He is a veteran coach and executive known for his extensive tenure within the NWSL and his previous role managing the U.S. Women's National Team.

Jordyn Huitema

She is a key forward for the Chicago Stars who maintained a significant portion of the team's offensive output despite her season-ending injury.

Karina Baez

She was appointed as the head coach of the Chicago Stars in August 2026 to stabilize the team following the departure of Martin Sjögren.

The details

Andonovski joins Chicago following his departure from the Kansas City Current earlier this month. The club has undergone major leadership turnover in recent years, including the firing of head coach Lorne Donaldson in 2025 and the mid-season replacement of Martin Sjögren with Karina Baez in August 2026.

April 2025: Lorne Donaldson was fired as head coach.
Mid-July 2026: Jordyn Huitema suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
August 2026: Karina Baez replaced Martin Sjögren as coach.
September 7, 2026: Andonovski departed the Kansas City Current.
September 13, 2026: Chicago was eliminated from NWSL playoff contention.

Basketball
Sept. 22
Kate Martin Will Make Chicago Sky Debut Tuesday
Soccer
Sept. 23
Williams Joined Chicago Fire Senior Training
Hockey
Sept. 24
Blackhawks Signed Forward Oliver Moore to Extension

Season Trajectory

Andonovski arrives as the club looks to move past a dismal two-year stretch that saw the team fail to secure a playoff spot despite significant roster turnover. His first major task will be overseeing a coaching search to define the team's identity heading into the next competitive cycle.

The hiring signals an immediate shift in the team's management strategy, likely leading to a reevaluation of the current roster and technical staff. Supporters can anticipate significant personnel changes in the off-season as the front office prepares to utilize the funds acquired from player transfers.

The takeaway

The Chicago Stars are signaling a commitment to structural change by bringing in an experienced veteran to manage their technical operations. Readers should watch for upcoming announcements regarding the coaching staff as the organization attempts to rebuild its offensive and defensive efficiency.