Toronto FC has relied on impressive defensive efforts during its franchise-record unbeaten run. The team's latest addition could provide its offence a boost.

Spanish striker Mista is expected to make his debut when Toronto plays its first road game in nearly two months Saturday against the expansion Philadelphia Union (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 3:30 p.m. ET).

Toronto FC (6-4-4) hasn't lost in any competition over the past 11 games and is 4-0-4 in MLS play since a 2-1 defeat at Real Salt Lake on May 1.

Toronto has outscored opponents 10-3 over those eight games but has missed opportunities for points with three scoreless ties. The Reds have managed only two goals over the last four games -- all at home -- since a 3-1 win at San Jose on May 29.

Toronto avoided another scoreless draw last Saturday when Fuad Ibrahim tallied his first goal of the season in a 1-0 victory over Colorado. Brazilian forward Maicon Santos made his debut in that game after signing with the team July 9 following his release from Chivas USA, where he played last season under current Toronto coach Preki.

Three days earlier, the team signed the 31-year-old Mista, also known as Miguel Angel Ferrer Martinez, but he hasn't been available until the league's international transfer window opened this week.

The striker isn't expected to start Saturday but could see the field as two players will likely sit out. Midfielder Martin Saric has an injured quad, and forward O'Brian White has been ill for the past week.

"We'll see how the game goes," Preki said. "We're working on [Mista's] fitness, and he's been trying to push himself. I think he's coming along nicely."

Toronto, 1-4-1 away from home in league play, got a challenge in the first meeting April 15 with the last-place Union (3-8-2) despite having a man advantage for much of game. Philadelphia captain Danny Califf received a red card in the 34th minute for a foul on midfielder Julian de Guzman.

Dwayne De Rosario scored on the ensuing free kick and also had the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick in the 81st minute to lift Toronto to a 2-1 win.

The Union suffered their first loss in four home games last Saturday, 2-1 to San Jose, but earned a 1-0 exhibition victory over Scottish club Celtic FC on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

"I think [the win] helps," goalkeeper Brian Perk told the team's official website. "I think we all know we played great [against San Jose]. ... It just shows that if we keep playing the way we did the last couple games, we are going to get a lot of points."