In Chester, Pennsylvania, midfielder Jaelin Howell has steadily emerged as a key contributor for Gotham FC and the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT), demonstrating a strong defensive presence that often operates away from the spotlight. Known for her role linking defense and attack, Howell focuses on controlling the game's tempo and maintaining possession, attributes that have underpinned Gotham’s ongoing success and earned her a return to the national squad.

Howell, 26, has been a consistent feature for Gotham this season, starting every league match and ranking third in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for both fouls drawn (52) and tackles (59). Her tenacity and energy in midfield have been praised by teammates and coaches alike. "You could see it on the field how many balls she was winning, the efforts she was putting in," said Tierna Davidson, a teammate on both Gotham and the USWNT.

After debuting with the USWNT in 2020 while still in college, Howell spent more than three years away from the national team before returning late last year. She was called up again this month to replace an injured player for friendly matches against Spain, one of the world’s top-ranked teams, marking an important step in her journey as the USWNT prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Howell’s development accelerated after a trade from Seattle to Gotham following the 2024 season. The club has provided a stable environment that nurtured her growth, particularly following a series of injuries that hampered her early professional years after being selected as the No. 2 overall pick by Racing Louisville in 2022. Gotham’s coaching staff, along with veteran teammates such as Davidson, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett, have played an instrumental role in helping Howell regain confidence and refine her game.

This season, Gotham FC has positioned itself strongly with a record of 16 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses, leading the league as the team pursues a repeat championship. However, the club faces challenges heading into the final weeks before the playoffs. Key injuries have impacted the roster, including veteran defender Bruninha’s recent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and rookie forward Jordynn Dudley’s broken foot sustained during practice.

Despite these setbacks, Gotham remains well-positioned to make a deep postseason run. A victory over the Washington Spirit in an upcoming fixture would secure Gotham the right to host a semifinal match, complementing the home quarterfinal they have already secured.

Howell emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity as the team returns from international duty. “These are really good matches for us to be in, playing Spain,” she said. “Carrying that same intensity and training, going back into our training environment, and hopefully on the road against the Spirit.” Her continued defensive work will be critical as Gotham FC aims to build on its recent successes.