The story of the "El Capitan Rivalry" is a bit of an odd one, especially given how the first match between these two clubs went down. It lacked the sort of drama, passion and tough-as-nails tackles fans were used to when the Houston Dynamo met FC Dallas. Perhaps familiarity will breed contempt, as the saying goes, as fans flock north to root for their team to not pick up three much needed points, but to beat Dallas.

Sure the reward of beating them is three points but it's all about pride for the fans. Beating Dallas is enough of a reward in itself, and this will be their second attempt to do so. In order to bring the cannon home, Houston almost has to win to erase a three goal deficit in the series. A draw will make the task later this year difficult. With the team fully staffed, having previously missed two players for Copa America duty, it'll be all hands on deck.

Striker Giles Barnes and defender Jermaine Taylor impressed in Chile while representing their country, putting on stout defensive efforts in three straight 1-0 defeats. A bit more sharpness in the attack could have resulted in upset victories for the Jamaicans. Both players will be looking to use that experience against some of the best players in the world to bring the Dynamo a much needed three points on Friday.

The last time Barnes was with the squad, he helped spark the offense to four goals against the New York Red Bulls. However, that was at the comfy confines of BBVA Compass Stadium, where he has scored all six of his goals. On the road he has only registered one assist (in a 2-1 victory in Toronto). With fans having long claimed Frisco as "Robertson North" (in honor of the Dynamo's old stadium), manager Owen Coyle will be hoping Barnes can replicate his home form against FC Dallas.

Also key for the Dynamo will be the health of wingers Oscar "Boniek" Garcia and Brad Davis. They missed the previous match against Portland due to injuries. With the duo being called up to their respective national teams for next month's Gold Cup, the Dynamo need to take advantage of their skills while they can. While Davis hasn't been in top form this season, he still possesses the deadliest left foot in Major League Soccer, capable of putting his crosses on a dime. Garcia's last outing against New York saw the Honduran explode for a goal and two assists, showing the kind of quality he's capable of.

Perhaps most importantly for the Dynamo will be the team shape Coyle trots out. On the road he has typically played very conservatively, starting all three of his defensive midfielders in Ricardo Clark, Nathan Sturgis, and Luis Garrido. While this has worked well (typically) in limiting the chances of the opponents, it's stifled the offense more often than not. With FC Dallas in near freefall (winless in six) it's the perfect opportunity for the Dynamo to put the pressure on the home side. They'll be without defender Matt Hedges due to a hamstring strain, which helps the task some. Lining up two of the midfielders while adding an attacking option, such as Alex Lopez (assuming Davis and Garcia are healthy) will give Barnes and fellow striker Will Bruin more avenues of attack.

Remember: to win the series this season, they'll need to win and overcome the three goal deficit. It's impossible to predict the form of these two teams when they meet later this season in Dallas. Perhaps this is the best time to really put some goals past them. Keeping FC Dallas' attack in check will also be vital as they had a field day against the Dynamo defense last go around. Since then there have been some subtle (and one not so subtle) changes in defense that should prevent a repeat performance.

One thing is for certain: the buses of Dynamo fans making the trip will be singing long and loudly throughout this match. As they've always done. We'll see if the players reward their dedication.