Alvas Powell Bio
Alvas Elvis Powell (born 18 July 1994) is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati. A native of the parish of St. Thomas in Jamaica, he attended Paul Bogle High School, where he first drew attention in the Da Costa Cup schoolboy football competition.
Standing 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) tall, Powell has built a career that spans the Jamaican Premier League, several Major League Soccer clubs, and the Jamaica national team. Known for his pace and defensive work along the right flank, he has remained an active professional since making his senior debut in 2012.
Early Life and Background
Alvas Elvis Powell was born on 18 July 1994 in the small community of Danvers Pen, in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. Like many young Jamaicans, he grew up surrounded by football, the country’s most popular sport, and developed his game through schoolboy competitions on the eastern side of the island.
He attended Paul Bogle High School in St. Thomas, an institution whose football program regularly competes in the Da Costa Cup, Jamaica’s premier schoolboy tournament. Powell’s performances in the Da Costa Cup brought him to the attention of senior clubs and provided the platform for his move into the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Soccer
Powell’s rise through the Jamaican football system was swift. His form at Paul Bogle High School led to interest from top-flight clubs, and he signed with Portmore United, one of Jamaica’s strongest professional sides, making his senior debut after January 2012. The move marked the beginning of a professional career that would eventually take him abroad.
In 2013, just a year after turning professional, Powell was sent on loan to Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. The loan, originally scheduled for a single season, was extended through December 2014, reflecting the confidence the Portland staff had in his development. That spell also introduced him to international club football and helped him adapt to the demands of the North American game.
Alvas Powell Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Alvas Powell began his senior career at Portmore United in the Jamaican Premier League. His consistent displays at right-back attracted the attention of Major League Soccer scouts, and in 2013 he joined Portland Timbers on loan, with the arrangement extended through 2014.
During his time in Portland, Powell registered a notable milestone on 30 August 2014, scoring his first goal for the Timbers in a 3–0 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He also spent part of 2014 on loan at Sacramento Republic, broadening his experience in the American soccer pyramid.
Portland Timbers Breakthrough (2015–2018)
After his initial loan spell, Powell established himself as a regular member of the Portland Timbers squad. Working alongside established Major League Soccer professionals, he developed into a dependable right-back known for his energy, tackling, and willingness to support attacks down the flank.
In 2015, Powell received his U.S. green card, which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes. The status simplified the Timbers’ salary-cap calculations and further entrenched his role within the squad as he continued to log minutes across multiple MLS seasons.
FC Cincinnati Era (2019)
On 27 December 2018, Powell was traded to FC Cincinnati ahead of their 2019 Major League Soccer campaign, with Portland receiving $250,000 of General Allocation Money in return. The move signalled Cincinnati’s intent to add experienced defenders as they prepared for their first full MLS season.
Powell featured for FC Cincinnati during the 2019 campaign, gaining additional top-flight experience as the club adjusted to life in MLS.
Inter Miami CF (2019–2020)
On 19 November 2019, Alvas Powell was selected second overall by Inter Miami in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft, making him one of the new franchise’s first signings. The selection highlighted his reputation as a proven MLS-calibre defender.
However, following the 2020 season, Inter Miami opted to decline his contract option, making Powell available ahead of the next transfer window.
Al-Hilal Club (2021)
On 27 January 2021, Powell signed with Sudan Premier League side Al-Hilal Club, venturing outside the Americas for the first time in his professional career. The move represented a new challenge abroad.
On 30 March 2021, Powell, through his agent, requested that his contract with the club be terminated, citing his inability to cope with the atmosphere in Sudan. The spell at Al-Hilal ended after only a few months.
Philadelphia Union (2021)
After training with the club in May and June 2021, Powell signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia Union on 10 June 2021. The contract offered him a chance to compete for one of MLS’s strongest defensive units.
He debuted for Philadelphia on 23 June 2021, appearing as a substitute in a 1–0 home win over Columbus Crew SC. Following the 2021 season, the Union declined Powell’s contract option.
Return to FC Cincinnati (2022–Present)
On 17 December 2021, Powell re-joined former club FC Cincinnati ahead of their 2022 Major League Soccer season. The return marked a homecoming of sorts after his earlier stint with the Ohio-based franchise.
At the conclusion of the 2022 season, FC Cincinnati announced they were exercising Powell’s contract option, keeping him at the club through the 2023 season and reinforcing his standing as a trusted squad member.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Powell’s standout moments are his first senior goal for Portland Timbers against Vancouver Whitecaps in 2014, his second-overall selection by Inter Miami in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft, and his role in FC Cincinnati’s continued rise within Major League Soccer. His journey from the Da Costa Cup schoolboy competition to a long professional career illustrates his durability in a demanding sport.
Alvas Powell Career Wins
Alvas Powell has accumulated a body of club experience across Jamaica, the United States, and Sudan, with his honours tied to the teams that have won trophies during his tenure. His contributions have come primarily as a right-back, providing defensive cover and width in attack.
Club Honours
Powell has been associated with Portmore United, Portland Timbers, and FC Cincinnati during periods in which those clubs celebrated achievements. His earlier time at Portmore United coincided with one of the most competitive eras in Jamaican club football.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond club competition, Powell represented Jamaica at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup and helped the senior Reggae Boyz capture the 2014 Caribbean Football Union title, beating Trinidad and Tobago in a penalty shootout. He made his senior international debut in 2012.
Alvas Powell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Alvas Elvis Powell was raised in Danvers Pen, a community in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. The area has produced several notable Jamaican footballers, reflecting the country’s deep grassroots tradition.
Personal Life
In 2015, Powell received his U.S. green card, which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes. Outside of football, he has kept his personal life largely private.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Alvas Powell remains a member of FC Cincinnati’s squad, continuing a tenure that began with his initial trade to the club ahead of the 2019 season. His familiarity with the organization and MLS environment has kept him in the picture despite stiff competition for defensive minutes.
Powell’s role in 2025 is expected to focus on providing experienced depth at right-back, supporting a Cincinnati squad aiming to remain competitive in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. His continued presence offers the coaching staff a reliable option on the flank.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Powell will look to add to his Major League Soccer appearances and contribute to FC Cincinnati’s ambitions in both regular-season play and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.