Kansas City Current hire former USMNT star Chris Armas as coach
- - Kansas City Current hire former USMNT star Chris Armas as coach
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY January 8, 2026 at 3:54 AM
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The Kansas City Current have hired Chris Armas as the club’s new head coach.
Armas joins the NWSL power after spending the majority of his coaching career in Major League Soccer. The former U.S. men's national team midfielder has coached the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC and Colorado Rapids.
The 53-year-old most recently led the Rapids for two seasons, departing at the end of the 2025 campaign.
Armas has only been a head coach once in the women's game, leading his alma mater Adelphi University from 2011 to 2014.
The New York native has also served as an assistant coach in the Premier League with Manchester United (2021 to 2022) and Leeds United (2023).
“We are beyond excited to welcome Chris to the Kansas City Current family,” said co-owners Angie and Chris Long. “He brings an abundance of experience at the highest levels both as a coach and a player and shares in our long-term vision of the Kansas City Current being the best women’s football club in the world."
1 / 19Gotham FC honored with Key to New York City after NWSL triumphPlayers of NJ/NY Gotham FC pose for a team photo with the trophy and the Key to the City at City Hall during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 22.
Armas takes over from Vlatko Andonovski, who stepped down as head coach at the end of the 2025 season. Previously serving in a dual role, Andonovski remains with the organization as sporting director.
“We are excited to have Chris in Kansas City, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to take the club to new heights," said Andonovski. "Chris brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable for our organization. His passion for the game is evident, as is his commitment to his players and his winning mindset."
The Current were the best team in the NWSL regular season last year, setting all-time league records for wins (21), points (65) and shutouts (16). But Kansas City was stunned in the first round of the playoffs, losing to No. 8 seed and eventual champion Gotham FC.
Armas is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in American history, earning 66 caps with the USMNT from 1998 to 2005.
He is one of only five players in MLS history to have been named to the MLS Best XI five times, and he is a six-time MLS All-Star.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New KC Current coach: Chris Armas takes over
Source: “AOL Sports”
