Tsubasa Endoh took the road less travelled to Major League Soccer.
Endoh left Japan for a chance to continue his dream of playing professional soccer in the United States. With little grasp of the English language, he embarked on a journey few would have the courage to start.
Four years later he’s a first round pick of Toronto FC.
The Reds selected the 22-year-old with the ninth pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. That selection was the only one made by TFC in the first two rounds.

The 5’7 senior was named Big Ten Championship Most Valuable Offensive Player, capping off a strong collegiate career with the Maryland Terrapins. Endoh was named the most valuable player at the MLS combine earlier this week, solidifying his standing in the minds of the TFC braintrust.

Endoh spoke with torontofc.ca after being selected on Thursday. Here’s what he had to say.
On being picked ninth by Toronto FC
“It’s just incredible. I didn’t see this coming. I expected to be picked in the second round, maybe the third round. It’s hard to express myself right now. I’m so thankful to Toronto FC for picking me.”
On moving to the United States for College
“It was tough. I’m not going to lie. It was a tough adjustment for me because I was getting into a new environment and meeting new people and a new culture. My teammates and the coaches [at Maryland] helped me get where I am right now. I think the language was one of the toughest things for me, but now I’m here and I’m happy about it.”
On what brought him to the U.S

"I used to go to JFA Academy Fukushima, which the Japan youth association owns. I went there for six years and then when I was 16 there was a program that [required] players to go abroad. The players could choose wherever they wanted to go, and I chose the U.S.A. because I wanted to learn some english at the time. When I went to the Maryland camp their head coach Sasho Cirovski liked me a lot and he invited me to come to Maryland."

On his performance at the MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale
“I felt comfortable. I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew I had to play the way I want to play. I felt like a lot of people [at the combine] were so nervous and got so excited they couldn’t play the way they wanted to play. I’m happy about the way I played at the combine and it helped me to get drafted by Toronto FC in the first round.”
On whether he had any family at the draft
"My mom just flew in from Japan yesterday. She’s going back, I think, two days later."
On his style of play
“I’m a player who brings a lot of energy on the field. I can over a lot of ground. My teammates can rely on me in terms of covering the field and the technical side of stuff. I’m confident with my agility and quickness.”
On his position preference
"I’m comfortable playing attacking midfield, or on the right or left wing. I mean I can play anywhere in the midfield."
On the chance of playing with Bradley, Giovinco and Altidore
"I can’t wait to see them and I can’t wait to play with them and learn from them. Obviously they’re big names that have played in Europe."
On what he knows about Toronto
“I’ve never been to Canada or Toronto, but I’ve seen the big letters at [City Hall]. A lot of people have told me Toronto is a great city that’s such a fun place to be in.”