Jaelin Howell deserves her call-up to the USWNT after another great season

Jaelin Howell is not the flashiest of players. Many NWSL fans are more likely to discuss NJ/NY Gotham FC players like Ann-Katrin Berger, Rose Lavelle, Jaedyn Shaw, and Emily Sonnett, just to name a few. However, the midfielder is so important to the Bats' defense, making her one of the top players in the NWSL. As such, it was not a shock that she was called up to the United States women's national team this week.

Howell is joining up with Emma Hayes and the rest of the team as a replacement player for the injured Sam Coffey. It is surprising that she has not been called up since the end of 2025, but at least she is getting her chance now to impress and remind everyone why Gotham FC remains at the top of the NWSL table.

Jaelin Howell is back with the USWNT

Of course, Howell has to actually take the pitch for the USWNT to show off her defensive abilities. If she does, though, fans who normally do not pay attention to her will be able to see exactly why she is so valued by Gotham.

Her defensive work will make any backline better, as she can act as a buffer when playing as the defensive midfielder. One of Howell's best talents is her ability to win duels. She is not afraid to go head-to-head with anyone to win the ball, and she is one of the best to do it in the NWSL. In 2025, she won the second-most duels in the NWSL.

It is not just with duels, either, but she does well in maintaining possession when an opposing team is pressuring her and others in the defensive third. She is also not afraid to get the ball back, as she is in the top 15 in both interceptions and tackles per 90 minutes. As a whole, she is third in fouls drawn, interceptions, and tackles won.

As mentioned, Howell is not the flashiest player and does not score often. She has not scored yet in the regular season this year, but fans will recall her incredible four goals from the 2025 season. Her goals were often golazos and extremely memorable. She does have two assists, though, this year.

Hence, it makes sense that Howell was called into the USWNT squad to replace Coffey. She has been fantastic for Gotham FC over the last two seasons, and there is a reason she extended her stay with the Bats back in April. Ideally, she will impress Hayes during this window and earn more call-ups in the future.

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