There isn’t a lot of flash in Jaelin Howell’s game, but the reliable defensive midfielder has been crucial throughout Gotham FC’s chase for a first-ever NWSL Shield.
The 26-year-old leads Gotham with 1,851 minutes played and has started all 21 NWSL matches. Only nine players in the entire NWSL have logged more minutes than Howell this season.
Howell Leads Gotham FC in Key Defensive Statistics
Her 42 tackles and 37 interceptions lead Gotham, statistics that must make Jaelin’s father, former NFL safety and Super Bowl XXXVII champion John, proud. Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton (49) and Seattle Reign midfielder Sam Meza (43) are the only two NWSL players who have recorded more tackles than Howell during the current campaign.
Gotham have conceded a league-low 13 goals through 21 matches and tied their club record by extending their undefeated streak to nine matches with Sunday’s 0-0 away draw against Angel City FC.
The league-leading Bats defend and attack in swarms. As goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger recently said, “the whole team prides themselves on the defensive side,” but Howell’s contributions are a huge reason why Gotham sit in first place with 44 points.
Tierna Davidson Calls Howell a ‘Top-Class Game-Changer’
Gotham captain Tierna Davidson recently detailed Howell’s influential style of play.
“I think that she’s someone that we can rely on both sides of the ball,” Davidson said earlier this month. “As a six, offensively, oftentimes you are this central cog that is able to switch the point, that’s able to relieve pressure, that’s able to connect back to front. That’s a really important role that she serves in there.
“But then also defensively, she will put in the work wherever and whatever we need her to do, she’s willing to do it. I think she’s consistently covering some of the most ground on our team. So I think that she’s just top-class both sides of the ball and is really a game-changer for us on our roster.”
Howell Will Be Key To Gotham FC’s Pursuit of a Treble
Howell has been a steadying force throughout a season of change. Gotham have lost defenders Emily Sonnett and Kayla Duran to season-ending knee injuries and saw familiar faces depart in Esther González, Sarah Schupansky, Lilly Reale, Khyah Harper — as well as Katie Lampson’s midseason retirement.
Should Gotham deliver a trophy treble by capturing the NWSL Shield and repeating as NWSL champions to go along with June’s NWSL Challenge Cup victory over the Kansas City Current, Howell will likely have her fingerprints all over that success.
Howell and Gotham will next return home to Sports Illustrated Stadium to face Portland Thorns FC. Friday’s contest will kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ION.
More Gotham FC Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply