On February 7, 2000, the Seattle Sounders selected Howes in the first round (eighth overall) of the USL A-League draft.
On February 8, 2001, the Sounders traded Howes to the Portland Timbers in exchange for a second and third round draft pick and cash.
Howes was the MVP of the MISL three consecutive seasons (2005 and 2006), and has played for the United States national futsal team.
On March 28, 2009, Howes was announced at the player/head coach of Tacoma Tide in the USL Premier Development League.
In 2012, he became the first head coach of the Las Vegas Legends in the Professional Arena Soccer League.