Chester, PA (Sports Network) - Toronto FC will be trying to extend its unbeaten streak to nine games on Saturday when they visit PPL Park to face the Philadelphia Union.
Toronto recorded a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids last time out with a second-half goal from Fuad Ibrahim, but the young striker will have some more competition for playing time with both Maicon Santos and Mista in the fold.
Santos was picked up from Chivas USA just a few days before the Colorado match, and after looking good in a substitute appearance, he should have head coach Preki considering him for a starting spot.
Mista signed prior to the arrival of Santos, but the 31-year-old had to wait until after July 15 to be eligible because of international transfer rules.
He brings with him a wealth of experience from La Liga, where he played for Real Madrid, Valencia and Deportivo, but Preki has said he will most likely start the game on the bench.
"We will see how the game goes. We have been working on his fitness and he has been trying to push himself," the boss told mlssoccer.com. "I think he is coming along nicely. Are we going to start him? Most likely not. Is he going to see some minutes? Probably he will, but how much he plays will depend on the match."
TFC enters the game in third place in the Eastern Conference table, four points back of second-place Red Bull New York, while the Union will be trying to work its way off the bottom of table in the East.
The Union lost a 2-1 contest to the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend as they conceded a stoppage-time winner to Arturo Alvarez, leaving goalkeeper Chris Seitz to wonder how something like that happens.
"I do not know if people are turning off or what it is," Seitz told mlssoccer.com. "Obviously, in the 90th minute we're not a team at home that's going to push for a tie."
Philadelphia has lost three of its last five games, but the club is playing the second of four successive games at home, where they have earned seven points from four games this season.
Toronto has been in a good run of form lately, but they have won only once in six games away from home.