Expansion franchise Portland Timbers have unveiled their official MLS logo and colors ahead of their debut season in North America's top flight.

The team will retain its historic name, the Timbers, but has produced a new crest which is a T-shaped axe, breaking through the confines of the team's original crest.

President Merritt Paulson says the new logo pays tribute to the original club and the new horizons they are set to encounter in MLS.

"A lot of thought went into creating a dynamic logo that both signifies the enormity of our move to Major League Soccer while also paying homage to our rich and unique past," said Paulson. "We believe we have found that balance and are thrilled to commemorate a new era of Timbers soccer with our official MLS logo."

Portland will become MLS' 18th team when they enter in the 2011 season.