KC Current Appoints Chris Armas as New Head Coach

The Kansas City Current appointed Chris Armas as their new head coach on Wednesday.

Armas, 53, has previously managed three MLS teams: Colorado Rapids (2023-25), Toronto FC (2021), and New York Red Bulls (2018-20). He has also worked as an assistant at Manchester United and Leeds United in the UK.

Kansas City, the 2025 NWSL Shield winner, announced in November that Vlatko Andonovski would step down to concentrate on his role as the club’s sporting director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Kansas City Current family,” co-owners Angie and Chris Long stated in a press release. “He has extensive experience as both a coach and a player and aligns with our goal of making the Kansas City Current the best women’s football club globally. Chris is a natural leader who inspires excellence, and we trust he will enhance our competitive environment as we aim for championships and growth on a global scale.”

Armas also served as head women’s soccer coach at his alma mater, Adelphi University, from 2011-14.

“I am honored to be named head coach of the Kansas City Current,” said Armas. “Angie and Chris Long have developed a remarkable organization. I appreciate their trust. The talented players, excellent facilities, and dedicated fan base make this club outstanding. What impresses me most is the culture and the people. I’m inspired by the shared vision from ownership and staff, and I will do everything I can to elevate the KC Current to be the best women’s football club in the world.”

Armas, a former midfielder for the U.S. Men’s National Team, played professionally in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy (1996-97) and Chicago Fire (1998-2007). He was a six-time All-Star, five-time MLS Best XI selection, and won the 2003 MLS Comeback Player of the Year award. He secured the MLS Cup with Chicago in 1998 and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup four times.

“We are excited to have Chris in Kansas City, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to elevate the club,” Andonovski noted. “Chris’s extensive experience will be a great asset to our organization. His passion for the game and dedication to his players are clear, reflecting a strong winning mindset.”

Armas was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025.