Success and sacrifice always go hand in hand. Period. That is the ultimate recipe for greatness. But at times, there comes a situation when taking one for the team as a noble act ends up with a sting in the tail. And who better than Vlatko Andonovski to relate to it? Even though he went the extra mile with his plan for his team, the KC Current, during the crucial NWSL playoffs, it turned out to be his biggest mistake, as he continues to hear the end of it from fans.

For context, the Kansas City Current hosted NJ/NY Gotham FC at the CPKC Stadium for their NWSL quarterfinal clash, where they ended up facing a shocking 1-2 upset, ending their hopes for the Championship. Of course, as 2025 Shield winners, the home side were the favorites, but ultimately flopped, even after giving their all. And by all, literally at the sake of their own player’s health.

Shockingly, after the match, Vlatko Andonovski shared with the press that forward Beatriz Zaneratto João had a sprained MCL. In fact, the former USWNT boss made this announcement with sheer pride, stating, “Nothing was going to stop her,” before adding, “When you are missing Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper, we probably had half of Bia. You can only tweak so much,” as per the quotes shared by journalist Chad Smith on X.

But sadly, the 31-year-old’s sacrifice was in vain, as the Current didn’t advance to the quarterfinals. Speaking of the match, both sides began on a tough note, pressing each other’s buttons. So much so that the first half was a complete silence in terms of goals and galore. It was not until the hour mark, precisely around the 68th minute, that Jaeyden Shaw broke the deadlock for Gotham FC.

As injury time approached, everyone believed that this was the end for the KC Current, but exactly around 90+6 minutes, the home side found the equalizer through Ellie Wheeler, courtesy of an assist from Lo’eau LaBonta. As this goal took the match to extra time, penalties were on everyone’s mind until the 120+1 minute. Drama transpired again as Katie Stengel found the winner for Gotham.

Yep, all of this drama ensued just a couple of minutes before Beatriz Zaneratto João left the field. Speaking of which, it was too late to take her off the game as her participation alone didn’t settle in the eyes of many.

Vlatko Andonovski faces the wrath of NWSL fans

After Vlatko Andonovski’s post-match comments eventually made the social media, he ended up garnering significant backlash. But why, you must be thinking? After all, Beatriz Zaneratto João decided to play, right? Well, as much as one can praise her dedication and sacrifice for the team, it’s Andonovski at fault. At least this fan says, in recalling another past incident: “You Vlatko, you should have stopped her. In the most unbiased way, this is so embarrassing and reckless. I said the same about Lucy in the Euros.”

Everyone knows that an injury takes time to heal. One wrong step and everything goes south. Yet, this was a gravity that Vlatko couldn’t understand. “Does that not seem reckless? Shouldn’t the coach protect the player here, and wouldn’t a fully healthy player be better for the team?” one wrote, before another added, “This is not a good thing.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the American-Macedonian coach has done so in his coaching career. Like these two netizens were able to recall how, during his Women’s national team stint, players faced difficulties: “Vlatko has a long history of playing injured players,” one added, before another said, “Just a reminder that Vlatko ruined the USWNT.”

It’s fortunate to see that nothing serious happened to Beu, as such situations have often seen many players end up enduring double injury. No wonder this fan said, “I hate this dude so much. What do you mean “nothing was going to stop” your player from playing on a potentially career-ending injury? What about YOU stopping her, you absolute potato?”

There is no greater priority for a coach than ensuring their players remain fit and healthy, even if the match is a crucial NWSL playoff. Clearly, by allowing his player to play while injured, Andonovski had it coming from the fans: “You’re the head coach. you have the power to say no. it’s your job to have your players take care of their bodies. cmon man.”

Be that as it may, this was just a glimpse of what you saw as many others came to express their discontent over this call from the KC Current boss, let alone the frustration surrounding their NWSL playoffs exit. As for Gotham FC, they have surely lived the underdog story. Share your views in the comments below.