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Andonovski: coaching US WNT has been "the honour of my life". PA

United States WNT manager steps down after early World Cup exit

Vlatko Andonovski’s defending champions were knocked out by Sweden in the last 16.

UNITED STATES HEAD coach Vlatko Andonovski has stepped down from his position in the wake of the team’s last-16 exit at the World Cup.

The two-time defending champions’ hopes of a further triumph in Australia and New Zealand were ended by a penalty shootout defeat to Sweden.

Assistant coach Twila Kilgore has been named as the team’s interim head coach.

Andonovski led the USA to the bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics, but defeat to Sweden condemned the four-time world champions to their worst ever finish at a World Cup.

They won just one of their four games at the tournament, eventually going out 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw with Sweden.

Andonovski, who succeeded Jill Ellis in 2019, said it has been “the honour of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years”.

“I’m very optimistic for the future of this programme, 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.”

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Press Association
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