Andonovski resigns as USWNT coach after disappointing World Cup exit

Vlatko Andonovski resigned as head coach of the United States women's national team Thursday, bringing his largely unsuccessful four-year tenure to an end following the country's worst-ever finish at the Women's World Cup.

The four-time World Cup champion won just one of three matches in Australia and New Zealand - its opener against tournament debutant Vietnam - before losing in a penalty shootout to Sweden in the round of 16.

The U.S. hadn't been eliminated before the semifinals in any of its previous eight World Cup appearances.

Twila Kilgore, an assistant to Andonovski for the past year and a half, will serve as interim head coach until U.S. Soccer hires a permanent successor.

Andonovski struggled to maintain the program's lofty expectations after replacing Jill Ellis on the bench in October 2019. In the Tokyo Olympics - the only other major tournament overseen by the 46-year-old - the U.S. lost to eventual gold medalist Canada in the semifinals.

"It's been the honor of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years," Andonovski said in a statement. "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."

Andonovski leaves the program with a 51-5-9 record supported mostly by victories in friendlies, the SheBelieves Cup, and World Cup qualifiers.