Howell's Defensive Prowess Fuels Gotham FC's Success and USWNT Return
Jaelin Howell has become a linchpin for Gotham FC, earning her a long-awaited recall to the U.S. Women's National Team.
CHESTER, Pa. — Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell has carved out a significant role for herself, becoming a crucial component in the club's pursuit of back-to-back championships and earning a recall to the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) after a three-year absence.
Howell, who joined Gotham via trade after the 2024 season, has become known for her defensive grit and consistent play at the base of the midfield. Her contributions have been vital in Gotham's 2025 championship run and their current bid to repeat. This consistent performance also led to her return to the USWNT late last year, and she was recently called up as an injury replacement for matches against Spain, positioning her for the 2027 World Cup.
"She is such a workhorse in her DNA for us as a club," said Tierna Davidson, Howell's teammate for both Gotham FC and the USWNT. "You could see it on the field [Tuesday], how many balls that she was winning, the efforts that she was putting in."
Howell’s impact often involves the less glamorous aspects of the game, controlling tempo and maintaining possession, tasks she embraces. "That’s one thing … you can count on me for bringing is energy and just bring some tackles and going into a game," Howell stated after the U.S. women’s national team’s 2-2 draw against Spain. "That’s what I wanted to do. Get the ball forward."
Since her debut in 2020 while still in college, Howell was absent from the senior national team for over three years. Her resurgence comes after an injury-plagued period early in her career following being drafted second overall by Racing Louisville in 2022. Gotham FC's coaching staff and investment in her development have been instrumental in restoring her confidence and allowing her to rediscover her stride.
She also credits playing alongside world-class players such as Davidson, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett for pushing her daily.
Howell, 26, is the sole Gotham player to have started every league match this season. She ranks third in the NWSL in fouls drawn with 52 and tackles with 59. Her ability to disrupt opposing attacks and win possession will be critical as Gotham FC, currently in first place, navigates the final weeks of the season and heads into the playoffs.
Gotham FC has recently faced significant setbacks with key players sidelined. Veteran defender Bruninha underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, and rookie forward Jordynn Dudley broke her foot in practice this month. Despite these challenges, the club remains in a strong position to contend for the title.
A victory for Gotham on Saturday against the Washington Spirit would secure them home-field advantage for a semifinal match, in addition to the home quarterfinal they have already clinched. They also have an opportunity to secure the franchise's first NWSL Shield with a win and a San Diego Wave loss.
"[We’re] just going back and continuing to do what we were doing before the [international] break," Howell said. "Obviously, these are really good matches for us to be in, playing Spain, and so I think carrying that same intensity and training, going back into our training environment, and hopefully on the road against the Spirit, it’ll be a good game and be able to get a win."
