The Kansas City Current has announced former United States men’s national team midfielder Chris Armas as its new head coach. The appointment marks Armas’ first role in professional women’s soccer following a coaching career spanning nearly two decades in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Premier League. The 53-year-old previously spent four years as head of women’s soccer at Adelphi University between 2011 and 2014. He succeeds Vlatko Andonovski at the Current, after the club announced in Novemb
The appointment marks Armas’ first role in professional women’s soccer following a coaching career spanning nearly two decades in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Premier League. The 53-year-old previously spent four years as head of women’s soccer at Adelphi University between 2011 and 2014.
He succeeds Vlatko Andonovski at the Current, after the club announced in November that the former USWNT coach would transition from the role of head coach and sporting director into a new position as the global sporting director.
Armas has been out of management since he departed the Colorado Rapids in November following two seasons in charge.
“From the talented group of players, the facilities and passionate fan base, this club represents a world class environment,” Armas said in a club statement. “Above all, it’s the culture and the people that impressed me most. I’m inspired by the shared vision of the ownership and staff, and I will do everything I can to help make the KC Current the best women’s football club in the world.”
Armas retired in 2007 following a decorated playing career with LA Galaxy and the Chicago Fire. He was named in the MLS best XI five times and won the MLS Cup with the Chicago Fire. He also made 66 appearances with the USMNT between 1998 and 2005.
He began his coaching career as an assistant at Chicago Fire before taking the role at Adelphi University in 2011.
Armas won a Supporters’ Shield with the New York Red Bulls in 2018, stepping up from his role as assistant during the season after Jesse Marsch left for RB Leipzig. This was followed by an 11-game spell in charge of Toronto FC in 2021.
He then went on to serve as an assistant at Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick during the 2021-22 Premier League season and with Leeds United briefly under Marsch in 2023.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable for our organization,” Andonovski added. “His passion for the game is evident, as is his commitment to his players and his winning mindset.”
Armas follows Nick Cushing in moving from MLS to the NWSL, with Cushing named as expansion side Denver Summit’s head coach in August following two years with New York City FC and an interim spell at Manchester City Women.
The Current finished top of the NWSL during the 2025 regular season but were beaten by the eventual champions and lowest-seeded team, Gotham FC, in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Colorado Rapids, US Men's national team, Kansas City Current, MLS, NWSL, Women's Soccer
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Category: General Sports
