AFTER having a successful 2024 season in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, defender Maliek Howell says he’s hoping for a recall to the Reggae Boyz squad as well as to earn a move to a top league.

In his first season with Las Vegas Lights FC, the former Jamaica College captain was a mainstay in the team, making 30 appearances, and helped the club to their first-ever Western Conference final. But he just missed out on the overall final after his team lost 1-0 to eventual champions Colorado Switchbacks, club of Reggae Boy Tyreek Magee.

Despite not achieving championship success, Howell told the Jamaica Observer he was happy to have contributed to a history-filled year for the Las Vegas franchise.

“We smashed multiple records — from most wins in club’s history to longest unbeaten streak, first home play-off, and first-ever conference finals — you name it. We were very dominant in possession week in, week out,and with that we created an identity of being the protagonist each game. We were the team with the most possession across the league in games,” he said.

“Despite missing out on the trophy due to a set piece error we were sad but still pleased — having been at the bottom of the table in the previous season to almost being crowned in 2024.”

It was a step up for the 25-year-old who previously played four years of college football at Memphis and Missouri State.

However, he believes his development locally at JC, where he won multiple Manning Cup titles, and his time at Ballaz Academy have played a crucial role in his current success.

“Ballaz has helped in giving me the core fundamentals that is needed at the next level. The week in, week out of academy training, working on the basics, helps tremendously as it gives me the confidence I need to surpass my opponents and showcase my potential on the field and on the ball,” Howell said.

“JC, on the other hand, instilled the winning mentality which will never leave me, regardless, always wanting to win from Manning Cup days and always wanting more,” he added.

His performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs, and Howell is hoping the interest will materialise.

“I’ve had offers from various clubs after the season. I even had an offer during the season last September to go to a club in Mexico, which was going to be massive. However on transfer deadline day there was some altercations, causing the transfer to not pull through. The January window just started so we will see what happens. Currently at this present moment though, I will be back at Las Vegas Lights,” said Howell.

Howell made his debut for Jamaica’s senior men’s team in January 2022 against Peru but all were substitute appearances and he hasn’t been recalled since that same year.

However, he’s optimistic that Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren will see his value and versatility ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“One of my objectives this year is getting back in my national team to help bring my country to the 2026 World Cup as a born and raised Jamaican. I’ve been coming right up through the youth system — U17, U20, U23 — and this has always been something I’ve looked forward to doing, and I don’t think there is any better time than now to do it,” he said.

“I have faith, and I believe what is to be will be. The decision of me getting that opportunity is up to the coaches and the scouting and selection group. Personally, I’m hungry and ready to take the opportunity, once given. I can play both right back and centre back, which should be a plus for me, in my head. I dominated the USL Championship last year [by] being a key player to my team’s success in making the western conference finals for the first time in franchise history. I’ve played almost 2000 professional minutes as a rookie first-year professional, which should say a lot about the confidence my coach or club had in me and the quality I displayed to be given that trust.”