U.S. Soccer, USWNT GM, HC ‘Mutually Part Ways’ After Underwhelming World Cup

By Barry Janoff

UPDATED August 18, 2023: Kate Margkraf has decided not to continue as GM for the U.S. Women’s National Team after four years with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

“Kate has been an instrumental part of Women’s National Team both on and off the field for many years, and we’re very thankful for the tireless work she has given to the USWNT and all our Youth National Teams,” Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director, said via the organization.

“We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to building on the foundation she helped establish over the past several years.”

The news comes a day after U.S. Soccer and women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski “agreed to mutually part ways.”

Both departures came in the wake of the USWNT bowing out in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after winning the title in 2015 and 2019.

“There’s been a lot of great work that has been done by the sporting staff on the women’s side of the game at U.S. Soccer, which means we are starting from a position of strength,” said Crocker.

"We’re looking forward to building on what has been created already, and ensuring we can continue to improve by setting a strategic plan will set the foundation for our Women's National Team to achieve greater success in the years to come."

August 17, 2023: In what came as no surprise, the U.S. Soccer Federation said today they and women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski have “agreed to mutually part ways.”

The move follows the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s ouster in the Round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup following World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.

“All of us at U.S. Soccer thank Vlatko for his dedication to our Women's National Team over the past four years," Matt Crocker, USSF sporting director, said via the organization.

"Vlatko worked tirelessly for this team and has been a strong and positive leader for our women's program. We're grateful for everything he has contributed to U.S. Soccer and know he has a bright future in the sport."

According to Crocker, who will  lead the search for a new USWNT head coach, “It's imperative that we continue to evolve and innovate, and we are excited about the path that lies ahead.”

Assistant coach Twila Kilgore has been appointed as interim head coach and will guide the team in friendlies against South Africa scheduled for Sept. 21 and Sept. 24.

Kilgore has been the team’s assistant coach for the past year and a half. In 2021, she became the first American-born woman to earn U.S. Soccer’s Pro Coaching License.

Entering the 2023 World Cup regarded as a favorite to three-peat, the USWNT had a win and two draws in the Group Stage before losing to Sweden on penalty kicks in the Round of 16.

“The team was disjointed, was not a unit and the coaching was not what this team needed,” Carli Lloyd, now retired, a two-time USWNT World Cup winner and two-time FIFA Player of the Year, told The Athletic after the USWNT’s World Cup showing.

“So I saw this, I felt this, I experienced this. I wasn’t truly confident in this team winning the World Cup. That’s not because of the lack of talent or the lack of players wanting to win. Every player wants to win. But there are certain steps and processes that you have to go through in order to win. There’s a certain formula that a championship team has.”

"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Vlatko for his dedication to the Women's National Team," USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone said via the organization.

"We know he will continue to contribute to the growth of the women's game in the United States and wish him well in his future endeavors."

According to Crocker, “We understand the challenges and have engaged with stakeholders from various corners of our sport — players, coaches, and other individuals within the soccer landscape.

“The insights and perspectives gathered during these discussions have been instrumental in shaping our forward-looking plan. Our commitment to excellence remains unshakeable, and we believe this strategic plan will set the foundation for our Women's National Team to achieve greater heights in the years to come."

“It’s been the honor of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years,” said Andonovski via USSF.

“I’m very optimistic for the future of this program, especially considering all the young players that got opportunities over the past few years who will no doubt be leaders and impact players moving forward.

“While we are all disappointed by the outcome at this year’s World Cup, I am immensely proud of the progress this team has made, the support they’ve shown for each other, and the inspiration they’ve provided for players around the world. I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team.”

USSF Names USWNT FIFA World Cup Squad

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