Joseph Melto Quiah, a Liberian-born winger with lightning-fast feet and unrelenting ambition, is turning heads at Toronto FC II after officially signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract. From the streets of Paynesville to the competitive college pitches of the University of Dayton, and now to the professional ranks of Canadian football, Quiah’s trajectory is nothing short of remarkable.

At only 20 years old, he is already a sign of tenacity, worldwide vision, and the rising impact of African talent on North American soccer. Though not always easy or well-known, his route has been deliberate, passionate, and full of possibility.

Early Life in Liberia: Raw Talent and Street Smarts

Born and raised in Paynesville, a football-rich suburb of Monrovia, Joseph Melto Quiah was molded by community pitches, local clubs, and the unstructured chaos of grassroots football in Liberia. From a young age, he was drawn to the game’s rhythm — weaving through defenses with balance and flair that caught the eye.

He sharpened his instincts playing for Paynesville FC and later LISCR FC, two clubs known for nurturing local youth. These weren’t elite academies; they were crucibles of street talent, where technique and vision developed out of necessity rather than drills.

“Football in Liberia teaches you how to think fast,” Quiah once noted. “You don’t have time or space — you learn to make it.”

Making a Mark on the International Stage

At just 16 years old, Quiah earned his first senior cap for Liberia, debuting against Egypt in a high-profile international friendly in 2021. While the Lone Star lost the match, Quiah’s composure on the ball stood out. Facing seasoned African internationals, he held his own — a rare feat for a teenager from a non-traditional football nation.

His rise through the U-16 and U-17 Liberian national teams showcased his tactical discipline and offensive creativity. He wasn’t just fast — he was effective, often delivering final balls in clutch moments. These appearances helped cement his reputation as one of Liberia’s brightest young prospects, admired for both his humility and vision.

The NCAA Years: Dayton Dominance

Quiah’s next chapter drove him to the United States, where he enrolled at the University of Dayton in Ohio, a university with a growing reputation in NCAA Division I soccer. Shifting from African pitches to American soil was difficult, but he soon found his rhythm.

Quiah started 43 times and played 47 games over three seasons, recording an incredible 14 goals and 16 assists. Beyond numbers, he became a game-changer for the Dayton Flyers, helping the team to win back-to-back Atlantic 10 tournament championships in 2024 and 2023.

Honors & Awards

• First Team All-Atlantic 10
• First Team All-Region
• Second Team USC All-America
• Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team
• Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team (2022)

His senior season was particularly impactful, as he seamlessly switched between wide winger and inside forward roles. Coaches praised his tactical IQ, while teammates valued his unselfish play and relentless energy.

2025 MLS SuperDraft: A Quiet Yet Powerful Move

Despite his college success, Joseph Melto Quiah was drafted 69th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft — a third-round pick that flew under the radar. But numbers can deceive.

Toronto FC’s scouting team had tracked his progress at Dayton, seeing in him the rare balance of raw street talent and collegiate discipline. The selection may not have made headlines, but internally, there was excitement.

Quiah didn’t just earn a spot. He earned trust.

“He’s one of those players who elevates everyone around him,” a former Dayton coach said. “He’s the kind of guy who makes your team click.”

Toronto FC II: A Launchpad for the Future

With his MLS NEXT Pro contract now official (pending final approvals), Quiah joins Toronto FC II — a team that serves as the developmental arm of the MLS side and a gateway to Canada’s growing soccer infrastructure.

Sean Rubio, the club’s Technical Director, described him as:

“An inventive wide player who causes problems in 1-on-1 situations and understands how to move in tight channels.”

These attributes align perfectly with the needs of modern systems — high tempo, transitional play, and positional versatility. In TFC II, Quiah will be tested against North America’s best up-and-coming prospects, many of whom are already knocking on the doors of senior MLS teams.

What Makes Joseph Melto Quiah Stand Out?

Here’s why Quiah isn’t just another draft pick:

Trait	Why It Matters
Versatility	Can play both as a wide winger and inverted forward.
International Experience	Already capped by Liberia at senior and youth levels.
Tactical Discipline	Proven ability to follow structured systems in college.
1v1 Skills	A natural dribbler with acceleration and unpredictability.
Work Ethic	Known for relentless pressing and smart positioning.

A Changing Pathway for African Players

Traditionally, African footballers sought routes through Europe. But players like Joseph Melto Quiah are demonstrating the viability of the North American collegiate and pro systems.

By succeeding at Dayton and signing with Toronto FC II, he bypassed the traditional bottlenecks of European academies and instead opted for a structured, merit-based progression.

Other rising African stars are beginning to follow this model, favoring scholarships, education, and strategic exposure. In this context, Quiah’s success carries deeper meaning: it represents a shift in how football dreams are being pursued across Africa.

What’s Next for Joseph Melto Quiah?

The next 12 months will be pivotal. If Quiah adapts quickly to MLS NEXT Pro’s physical demands, he could fast-track into Toronto FC’s senior squad, especially with the club emphasizing youth integration.

Key milestones ahead:

• First professional debut
• Building chemistry in TFC II’s attacking unit
• Potential call-ups to Liberia’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers squad

His story is still being written, but the ink is rich with promise.

A Star in the Making

Joseph Melto Quiah is more than a footballer; he’s a symbol of ambition reshaped by opportunity. His journey—from dusty streets in Liberia to the professional ranks of Canada—is both inspirational and indicative of football’s evolving global pathways.

He may not have the media frenzy that surrounds top draft picks, but if history is any guide, it’s often the players who fly under the radar that end up soaring highest.

Keep an eye on this name. Because Joseph Melto Quiah is just getting started.