FORMER COMET TO LEAD USWNT

Reportedly taking over the reigning World Cup-champion United States Women's National Team is former Comet player and coach Vlatko Andonovski. He both finished his playing career and started his coaching career in Kansas City, leading the Comets to the 2013/2014 Major Indoor Soccer League title. Later that year, he led FC Kansas City to the first of two consecutive National Women's Soccer League titles. 

Andonovski played for the Comets from 2001-2005, and when the franchise was resurrected in 2010, he assisted head coach Kim Rontved while also serving as the head coach of the Kansas City Kings of the Professional Arena Soccer League. He served as Comets head coach from 2013-2016. Since his time with FC Kansas City, Andonovski as served as the head coach for the NWSL's Seattle Reign. 

"When I look back and think how it all started for Vlatko, it's crazy. We had some great experiences at many different levels. I'm just thankful to have played a small part in a few of his experiences, " said Comets managing partner Brian Budzinski, who gave Vlatko his first professional coaching job. 

"From his days at the youth club Futura FC to winning state cups to the KC Kings of the PASL to winning an MISL title with the Comets and back-to-back NWSL titles with FC Kansas City, it all shaped him into the coach he is today." 

Andonovski is expected to be officially named the national team head coach Monday, and he's set to take over ahead of November matches against Sweden and Costa Rica.