Portland Timbers Select Schillo Tshuma with 17th Pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft

That's a steal of a pick. Sure he would be gone. (yes - everyone says that I know...but its true)

— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 16, 2014

The Portland Timbers snagged Generation Adidas forward Schillo Tshuma with the team's No. 17 pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Tshuma, 21, played two years for the University of Maryland before making the jump up to the pros.

A quick and technical player, Tshuma saw success at the college level playing as a second forward with a tendency to drift out wide. While with Maryland he had sixteen goals, six of which came in 2013.

For the Timbers, Tshuma does not seem likely to see much regular season playing time in 2014 with the current logjam of forwards and wingers in front of him. He does, however, represent a significant asset for the future, with hints of Darlington Nagbe and Steve Zakuani in his game.

The Generation Adidas tag that Tshuma carried will also be significant for the Timbers as they look to build a team that will compete in the CONCACAF Champions League in the second half of the season and any salary cap relief that the team can get can go into strengthening the roster. This could be particularly impactful as the Timbers still hold two open designated player slots, after successfully signing Norberto Paparatto and Gaston Fernandez to normal senior contracts.

Here is Tshuma in action: