Aug. 17 (UPI) -- United States Women's National Team manager Vlatko Andonovski stepped down from his role, following the soccer squad's Round of 16 exit at the 2023 World Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Thursday.
"It's been the honor of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the [U.S. women's team] for the past four years," Andonovski said in a news release.
"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."
The federation said Twila Kilgore will serve as interim head coach. Federation sporting director Matt Crocker will lead the search for a full-time replacement for Andonovski.
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Andonovski, 46, started his tenure as U.S. women's coach in 2019. His four-year contract was set to expire at the end of this year. He took over for Jill Ellis, who led the Americans to World Cup titles in 2014 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," Crocker said. "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."
The U.S. women entered the 2023 World Cup with 13-consecutive victories in the tournament, including their last two titles. They extended that run with a 3-0 win over Vietnam in the group stage. They then drew with the Netherlands, ending their streak in their second group stage match.
The Americans barely got into the knockout stage after a 0-0 draw with Portugal. They then lost 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout to Sweden for their earlier World Cup exit in history.
"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 said.
"I will be forever thankful to the U.S. Soccer Federation for giving me the chance to coach this remarkable team."
Sweden will face Australia in the World Cup's third-round match at 4 a.m. EDT Saturday on Fox. Spain will face England in the final at 6 a.m. Sunday on the same network.
The Americans will face South Africa in a friendly at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in Cincinnati. The next edition of the Summer Games will run from July 26 to Aug. 11 in 2024 in Paris.
