All the bells and whistle that normally surround the Texas Derby are in play Wednesday night when the Dynamo and FC Dallas meet in Frisco.
The Dynamo, however, are wary of a new variable complicating the equation they'll have to solve against their fiercest rival.
Losers of three of their last four, FC Dallas is desperate.
This is a new situation for the Hoops, who won the Supporter Shield in 2016. They came into this season as one of the elite teams and did not lose until their 10th game. With two games in hand and five points below the top of the standings, they still may end up in one of the top playoff positions.