Kansas City Current Welcomes Chris Armas as New Head Coach

Kansas City Current Welcomes Chris Armas

The Kansas City Current proudly announced the appointment of Chris Armas as the club's new head coach on January 7, 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the organization, which aims to enhance its competitive edge and aspirations of becoming the world's premier women's football club.

Chris Armas, a former standout player in Major League Soccer (MLS) and a member of the US Men's National Team (USMNT), brings a wealth of coaching experience spanning nearly two decades. Having been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025, Armas is recognized not just for his talent on the pitch but also for his leadership off of it.

A Vision for Excellence

"We are beyond excited to welcome Chris to the Kansas City Current family," expressed co-owners Angie and Chris Long. They highlighted his extensive experience in both coaching and playing, and articulated their shared vision of making the Current the best women’s football club in the world. Armas is noted for his natural leadership qualities and commitment to excellence, qualities that the ownership believes will further cultivate the club's competitive environment.

Most recently, Armas served as the head coach for the Colorado Rapids, where he notably took the team back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024 and secured a third-place finish in the Leagues Cup of 2025. His tenure there also included back-to-back victories in the Rocky Mountain Cup.

A Distinguished Coaching Career

Armas’ coaching journey began in 2008 as an assistant coach for Chicago Fire FC. He further showcased his abilities as the head women’s soccer coach at Adelphi University from 2011 to 2014, achieving significant success including consecutive appearances in the Northeast 10 (NE10) Tournament finals. His teams garnered All-Conference and All-Region selections, along with accolades such as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Coaching Staff of the Year and the NE10 Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in 2013.

In 2015, Armas joined New York Red Bulls as an assistant coach and contributed to their Supporters' Shield victory. He later became the head coach in July 2018, leading the team to a 12-3-3 record and the Eastern Conference Finals. His diverse coaching experience also includes stints in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Leeds United.

Gratitude and Commitment

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Current, Armas stated, "I am honored to be named head coach of the Kansas City Current. Angie and Chris Long have built a top-notch organization with excellence in all that they do, and I'm grateful for their trust. From the talented group of players to the passionate fan base, this club represents a world-class environment."

Armas also articulated his commitment to help position the Kansas City Current amongst the top ranks in women's football through shared vision and teamwork.

An Impressive Playing History

Before his coaching career, Armas had a remarkable playing history that spanned 12 years in the MLS, predominantly with LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire FC. He was known as one of the best American defensive midfielders, securing numerous honors including a 1998 MLS Cup, multiple Supporters' Shields, and several Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups during his career.

Over his 264 matches, Armas recorded 12 goals and 48 assists, also achieving five MLS Best XI selections and six All-Star nominations. His contributions to the USMNT include 66 caps and two goals, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

As Chris Armas steps into his new role with the Kansas City Current, the sporting director Vlatko Andonovski reinforced the excitement surrounding his appointment, emphasizing the invaluable experience he brings and his unwavering passion for the game. Together, they all aim to continue elevating the club to new heights, and Armas’ vast experience is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

The Kansas City Current, established in December 2020 and celebrated for its numerous milestones, competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and plays its home matches at CPKC Stadium, the first venue specifically designed for a professional women's sports team. The club looks forward to embracing the future with Chris Armas at the helm, ready to achieve greater glory in women’s football.