This trophy can literally shoot your trophy. Photo credit: fcdallas.com
The MLS teams in Texas do not fight over a measly trophy or cup. Today at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas will complete part one of this season’s trilogy of matches to determine where the cannon called “El Capitan” will live next season.
FC Dallas won the cannon back in 2013 and have held it since then. What folks outside of Texas may not know is that the battle for the cannon became a much bigger deal due to “El Capitan” being more integrated into the game day experience in Houston:
The Dynamo secured a permit in early 2012 to fire the howitzer in their new stadium and they’ve taken full advantage,integrating the trophy into their game-day experience. It’s become a BBVA Compass Stadium tradition to wheel the cannon to the middle of the field before every game and have a Dynamo celebrity shoot “El Capitan” off before kick off.
This is a main reason that videos like this get released on the Houston Dynamo YouTube channel for the lead up to today’s match:
There is much more than a cannon at stake, however, as both teams look to put their stamp on the beginning of the new season.
FC Dallas defenders are going to be dealing with a much more potent attack than they have seen out of Houston in the last couple of years. Two of the Dynamo’s new midfielders, Maidano and Wenger, were on the score sheet last week and the team also has Cubo Torres as an option off the bench.
The Houston Dynamo will be anxious to banish the memories of last season’s dismal regular season record against FC Dallas, which included a 2-0 loss and two 4-1 defeats.
Last week there were definitely some concerns for the Dynamo defense as they gave up 3 goals including a very late equalizer. FC Dallas has plenty of speed to trouble that back four even if Fabian Castillo does or does not play today.
Expect Head Coach Oscar Pareja to alter the FC Dallas lineup from last week’s game if Castillo cannot play.
This will also be a great test for Jesse Gonzalez, the starting goalkeeper for FC Dallas. He started in the final game of last season’s Derby but that game was at home in Toyota Stadium. It will be interesting to see how he handles his first away match in this intense rivalry.
Regardless of the result, fans of both teams know today is only the first round shot in this season’s Texas Derby.
