{
  "id": 7485655,
  "title": "Dissecting Vlatko Andonovski’s shock Current exit. Plus: Macario out for season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/dissecting-vlatko-andonovskis-shock-current-exit-plus-macario-out-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T05:46:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dissecting-vlatko-andonovski-shock-current-054605240.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Current soccer club Kansas City parted ways with sporting director Vlatko Andonovski, surprising many with the abrupt decision. The 78-word statement released on Labor Day revealed that Andonovski's decision to transition from head coach and sporting director to just sporting director \"was not the right fit.\" The timing appeared questionable, as the club was in danger of losing a playoff spot with the new coach, Chris Armas, at the helm.\n\nThe announcement lacked any accolades or quotes from Andonovski, which left owners Angie and Chris Long out of the loop. Despite the lack of transparency, current and former Kansas City players expressed their admiration for Andonovski on social media. Team captain Lo'eau LaBonta praised his contributions, while midfielder Claire Hutton, who has since moved to Bay FC, also expressed her support.",
  "summary": "Full Time Newsletter ⚽| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox. Nothing like a week of tennis and soccer to make you realize that if they wanted to, they would. More on that in a moment. Coming up: 🤕 Not-so-good Macario update 🪓 KC’s shock split from Vlatko 🤳 Influencers out-influencing their teams First, some fresh…",
  "key_points": [
    "Kansas City soccer club fired Vlatko Andonovski, sporting director and head coach.",
    "Andonovski transitioned to sporting director only, deemed unfit for dual role.",
    "Club owners Angie and Chris Long unaware of decision details."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sudden departure of Vlatko Andonovski as sporting director leaves Kansas City Current in a precarious position, especially with coach Chris Armas struggling to secure a playoff spot.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}