CHESTER, Pa. — Gotham FC's Jaelin Howell isn't the flashiest player.
As a midfielder, Howell does the work that often goes overlooked by the casual observer. She serves as the link between the defense and the attack. Her job is to control the tempo and help win or retain possession.
But Howell enjoys doing the dirty work. She's had as big an impact on Gotham as the club has had on her career.
United States midfielder Jaelin Howell (17) moves for the ball during a match against Spain at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
"That's one thing … you can count on me for bringing is energy and just bring some tackles and going into a game," Howell said Tuesday 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."
Howell's grind of proving herself at the club level has paid off.
Her defensive bite and consistent play at the base of the midfield not only helped fuel Gotham's 2025 championship run and this year's bid to repeat, it also earned her a long-awaited return to the USWNT.
Howell was absent from the senior national team for three-plus years following a debut in 2020 while she was still in college.
But she returned to the USWNT late last year, and earned another call-up earlier this month when she was tapped as an injury replacement player for the two friendly matches against top-ranked Spain — back in the picture eight months out from the 2027 World Cup.
"She is such a workhorse in her DNA for us as a club," Howell's USWNT and Gotham teammate Tierna Davidson said. "You could see it on the field [Tuesday], how many balls that she was winning, the efforts that she was putting in."
Since joining Gotham via trade from Seattle after the 2024 season, Howell has found the stability, trust and opportunity to develop into the player she is today.
She credited playing with world-class players such as Davidson, Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett who push her daily.
Gotham's coaching staff also has helped restore Howell's confidence. They helped her rebound from an injury-riddled stretch that hindered her early in her career after being drafted No. 2 overall by Racing Louisville in 2022. Gotham's support and investment in her as a player and person allowed Howell to rediscover her stride.
Howell, 26, is the only Gotham player to start every league match this season. She's third in the NWSL in fouls drawn (52) and tackles (59).
Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) runs with the ball during the first half against Angel City FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With Gotham (16W-7D-4L) sitting in first place and pursuing another title, Howell's ability to disrupt opposing attacks and win possession will be crucial for the club, which is limping into the final three weeks of the season before the playoffs.
Gotham recently suffered two major injury blows.
Veteran defender Bruninha, who assisted the game-winning goal in last year's NWSL championship game, underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
Gotham also lost rookie forward Jordynn Dudley , who broke her foot in practice earlier this month.
But the club is still in good shape to make a run at the title.
A win for Gotham on Saturday afternoon (12:30 p.m., CBS) against the rival Washington Spirit would ensure the club hosts a semifinal match, in addition to the home quarterfinal they've already clinched.
Gotham can also clinch the franchise's first NWSL Shield with a win and a San Diego Wave loss later in the day.
"[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."
