The Chicago Stars have been an unmitigated disaster, heading toward a second straight last-place finish. Yet they just hired Vlatko Andonovski, arguably the best coach in NWSL history, as chief soccer officer to architect their resurrection.

The immediate questions: Will it work? Can a team that can't score (14 goals in 24 games) or defend (54 conceded) become a contender in 2027? It may sound absurd, but there are reasons the answer is "yes." Volatility is part of the NWSL's core identity. The Orlando Pride were once doormats and won both domestic trophies in 2024. Gotham FC won two of the last three NWSL Championships after years of turmoil.

Andonovski believes he can similarly turn around Chicago. "I had plans like that when I came in Kansas City [in late 2023], and then we expedited everything so much that now I don't want to be unrealistic if I say next year we're competing," Andonovski told ESPN. "And for someone that has been in this league from day one... I know that it's very doable."

The first step is building trust and stability. Poor results have been coupled with constant staff turnover. "As the president of the club, the single biggest drag on my ability to raise the club overall has been this level of instability," Chicago Stars president Karen Leetzow told ESPN.

Andonovski has won two NWSL Championships and the 2025 NWSL Shield with Kansas City. Chicago can look at how quickly he transformed the Current as evidence. He said Chicago will be "aggressive" in the transfer window "to improve every line."