Timbers set to reveal third kit,

The Portland Timbers narrowly missed a spot in the playoffs in their first season as an MLS franchise, but hometown fans followed through on the "Soccer City, USA" nickname and gave the town a presence within the league despite not having any big names on the field.

This week, Portland fans - the Timbers Army - will learn of the design of the Timbers third kit, or uniform, just in time for the holidays.

Portland is set to release the kit design Tuesday morning at Jeld-Wen Field.

Last week, the Timbers announced the date of their home opener for the 2012 season - March 12, as part of the MLS releasing the home opening date for its 19 franchises, including the expansion Montreal Impact - a second franchise moving up from the USL.

Here's the schedule of openers.

WEEK 1:

Saturday, March 10: Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, March 11: Chivas USA, FC Dallas
Monday, March 12: Portland Timbers

WEEK 2:

Saturday, March 17: Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake
Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Union

WEEK 3:

Saturday, March 24: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC
Sunday, March 25: New York Red Bulls

WEEK 10:

Saturday, May 12: Houston Dynamo

The opener in Houston will be part of the celebration of the franchise's new home.