All eyes will be on Spanish star Mista Saturday night when Toronto FC pays a visit to FC Dallas. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)

Match details

Toronto FC visits FC Dallas on Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

What's at stake

Games don't get much more important than this one for Toronto.

With nine matches remaining in Major League Soccer's regular season, the Reds sit ninth in the overall standings, two points behind the Colorado Rapids, who hold down the eighth and final playoff berth.

A victory by Toronto in Texas would put pressure on the Rapids and allow TFC to put some distance between themselves and the pack of four teams that are hot on their trail in the standings.

Problem is, Toronto has just one road win this season and only seven in franchise history. What's more, Dallas is riding a 12-game unbeaten streak, its last loss coming on May 20 against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

With just four points earned away from home in 2010 and time running out, Toronto desperately needs a win on Saturday. Anything less would put the Reds in danger of slipping further back in the playoff race.

Injuries, suspensions

Saturday's game couldn't have come at a worse time for TFC as three key starters — defender Nana Attakora, midfielder Julian de Guzman and captain Dwayne De Rosario — are away on national team duty for Canada.

Toronto will also be without forward Chad Barrett (hamstring) and midfielder Amadou Sanyang (concussion). Maicon Santos is questionable — the Brazilian forward has been sidelined with a knee injury since Aug. 7, but he did fly with the club to Texas. He will be assessed Saturday morning to see if he will be able to play.

Dallas will also be missing players, as winger Atiba Harris and captain Daniel Hernandez are suspended, while defender Ugo Ihemelu and midfielder Dax McCarty are still out with injuries.

Player to watch for Toronto FC

Mista — With De Rosario away on international duty, Barrett injured and Santos questionable, Mista will lead the line against Dallas. The Spaniard has shown an exquisite touch on the ball, but he needs to get forward more often and try to create scoring chances for himself.

Player to watch for FC Dallas

Kevin Hartman — Dallas boasts one of the best defensive records in MLS, with just 17 goals against, thanks in large part to Hartman. The Dallas goalkeeper leads the league in goals-against average (0.65) and has recorded an impressive seven shutouts.

Previous meeting

Toronto earned a 1-1 draw against Dallas on July 24 at home.

Toronto FC perspective

"It comes down to how many players we'll have. Some are going, but none are coming. We only have one win on the road. We need points, so we'll have to start winning some time." — coach Preki

FC Dallas perspective

"It starts up top. You have guys that are making sure that they shape the ball the right way. At the end of the day, it's an attribute to the number of goals we've conceded and to how good defensively we've been all year." — goalkeeper Kevin Hartman

Next up for Toronto FC

After Saturday's game, the Reds visit the Chicago Fire on Wednesday before returning home to host DC United next Saturday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 3:30 pm ET).