Promising US youngster Omar Salgado has been selected by expansion franchise Vancouver Whitecaps with the number one pick in Thursday's 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

The 17-year old was snapped up by the Whitecaps as a current USA U20 international with plenty of talent who is certainly a player of the future.

Salgado cannot play at senior level with Vancouver until he turns 18 in September as his transfer to the States is an international one as he last played for Mexican outfit Chivas Guadalajara.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi was delighted to welcome Salgado to the club and was excited about his prospects.

"Omar is an exceptional young talent - he's not only been gifted with outstanding natural athletic ability, but at only seventeen, he already posses a maturity, work ethic, and focus well beyond his years," said Lenarduzzi.

"Today is an historical day for our club and we are incredibly pleased we were able to select Omar as our first ever MLS SuperDraft selection."