Published: November 6, 2026
Liberian attacker Joseph Melto Quiah is continuing his rise in professional football, with his journey from Ken Soccer Academy in Liberia to college soccer in the United States and now the professional ranks highlighting the growing international reach of Liberian talent.
Quiah began his football development in Liberia, representing clubs such as Paynesville FC and LISCR FC. His performances also earned him opportunities with Liberia’s U-16, U-17 and U-20 national teams.
He made his senior national team debut at 16 against Egypt on Sept. 30, 2021, marking an early milestone in his career.
His development took another significant step when he moved to the United States to attend the University of Dayton, where he established himself as one of the standout attacking players in NCAA Division I soccer.
In three seasons with Dayton, Quiah made 47 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 16 assists. His performances earned him First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2024, Second Team recognition in 2023 and a place on the conference’s All-Rookie Team in 2022.
He also received United Soccer Coaches All-American recognition and helped Dayton win back-to-back Atlantic 10 tournament championships.
His impressive college career paved the way for professional football when Toronto FC selected him with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.
Quiah signed with Toronto FC II in March 2025, competing in MLS NEXT Pro, before securing another career move in February 2026 with USL Championship side New Mexico United.
His progress has also brought attention to the role of Arnold Kennedy, founder and president of Ken Soccer Academy (KSA) and Ken Sports Management (KSM), in developing and connecting Liberian players to international opportunities.
Through talent identification, player development, scouting networks and educational opportunities, Kennedy helped establish a pathway that connected Quiah’s potential in Liberia to collegiate soccer in the United States.
Quiah is one of two KSA products selected in the MLS SuperDraft, alongside Bryant “Jimmy” Farkarlun, underscoring the academy’s growing contribution to the development and international exposure of Liberian football talent.
His journey highlights the importance of combining football development with education, proper guidance and long-term career planning.
From representing Liberia at youth and senior levels to earning professional opportunities in the United States, Quiah’s rise represents another encouraging chapter in the growing presence of Liberian footballers on the international stage.Writing
Joseph Melto Quiah: From Ken Soccer Academy to Professional Football in the U.S.
Liberian midfielder Joseph Melto Quiah is continuing his rise in professional football, with his journey from Ken Soccer Academy in Liberia to college soccer in the United States and now the professional ranks highlighting the growing international reach of Liberian talent.
Quiah began his football development in Liberia, representing clubs such as Paynesville FC and LISCR FC. His performances also earned him opportunities with Liberia’s U-16, U-17 and U-20 national teams.
He made his senior national team debut at just 16 years old against Egypt on Sept. 30, 2021, marking an early milestone in his career.
His development took another significant step when he moved to the United States to attend the University of Dayton, where he established himself as one of the standout attacking players in NCAA Division I soccer.
In three seasons with Dayton, Quiah made 47 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 16 assists. His performances earned him First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2024, Second Team recognition in 2023 and a place on the conference’s All-Rookie Team in 2022.
He also received United Soccer Coaches All-American recognition and helped Dayton win back-to-back Atlantic 10 tournament championships.
His impressive college career paved the way for professional football when Toronto FC selected him with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.
Quiah signed with Toronto FC II in March 2025, competing in MLS NEXT Pro, before securing another career move in February 2026 with USL Championship side New Mexico United.
His progress has also brought attention to the role of Arnold Kennedy, founder and president of Ken Soccer Academy (KSA) and Ken Sports Management (KSM), in developing and connecting Liberian players to international opportunities.
Through talent identification, player development, scouting networks and educational opportunities, Kennedy helped establish a pathway that connected Quiah’s potential in Liberia to collegiate soccer in the United States.
Quiah is one of two KSA products selected in the MLS SuperDraft, alongside Bryant “Jimmy” Farkarlun, underscoring the academy’s growing contribution to the development and international exposure of Liberian football talent.
His journey highlights the importance of combining football development with education, proper guidance and long-term career planning.
From representing Liberia at youth and senior levels to earning professional opportunities in the United States, Quiah’s rise represents another encouraging chapter in the growing presence of Liberian footballers on the international stage.
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