Kansas City Current hire former USMNT star Chris Armas as coach

Kansas City Current hire former USMNT star Chris Armas as coach

TheKansas City Currenthave hired Chris Armas as the club's new head coach.

Armas joins the NWSL power after spending the majority of his coaching career inMajor 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."

Players 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. Mandy Freeman #22 of NJ/NY Gotham FC poses for selfies with fans 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 1-0 to Washington Spirit on Nov. 22. Players 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. Lilly Reale #4 of NJ/NY Gotham FC poses with the trophy and the Key to the City during the NWSL 2025 Champions Parade at City Hall Park of NJ/NY Gotham FC on Nov. 24, 2025 in New York City. Players of NJ/NY Gotham FC pose for a team photo with 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. General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, Yael Averbuch of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates with 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. Fans cheer as the parade bus circulates 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. Emily Sonnet #6 and Rose Lavelle #16 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate 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. Jaedyn Shaw #2 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates 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. Laurie Tisch, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Emily Tisch Sussman, owners of NJ/NY Gotham FC descend from the bus with the trophies 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. Midge Purce #23 of NJ/NY Gotham FC descends from the bus 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. Fans cheer as the parade bus circulates 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. Fans play drums outside 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. Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, speaks as NJ/NY Gotham FC receives a recognition 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. Mandy Freeman #22, Rose Lavelle #16 and Midge Purce #23 of NJ/NY Gotham FC react as the team receives a recognition 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. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: Jaelin Howell #7 of NJ/NY Gotham FC as the team receives recognition 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. Ryan Campbell #12 of NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrates with the winner's medal as the team receives recognition 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. Fans dance 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. Ryan Campbell #12 of NJ/NY Gotham FC and teammates celebrate 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.

Gotham FC honored with Key to New York City after NWSL triumph

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

 

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