The newest rivalry in the Metroplex gets going again on Saturday night at 7 pm at historic Farrington Field in Fort Worth as the Denton Diablos head to Cowtown to take on the Fort Worth Vaqueros in Leg Two of the Chisholm Trail Clásico. The winner of the two-game series on aggregate goals takes home the Clásico Belt, which will be available at the game for fans to take pictures with.

The Chisholm Trail Clásico Belt. (Denton Diablos / Fort Worth Vaqueros)

Leg One of the CTC went to Vaqueros by a 4-3 margin in an exciting end to end battle. Due to the heavy rains that day, the match was moved at the last minute from UNT's Mean Green Soccer Stadium to Denton High School, but that didn't stop it from being a terrific match.

"It was a thrilling match for the spectators regardless of the team the fans were supporting," Vaqueros General Manager Tobias Lopez said this week. "It provided plenty of goals, plenty of action, all the things that make for a compelling match."

Vaqueros standout Jamie Lovegrove grabbed a brace early in Leg One. Vaqueros added goals from Darren Mitchell and Cameron Brown, who had the game-winner.

"We knew Denton was going to be young, fast, and hungry and they proved all three of those things to be true. However, I was thrilled in the way our boys responded and pulled out the victory." Lopez said.

Due to the rainout of their scheduled season opener, the Clásico ended up being the inaugural game for Denton Diablos. Even with the uncertainty of their roster - players are still arriving in town from college programs - Diablos were more than up for the fight. Captain Sam Garza scored the first goal in franchise history with FC Dallas Academy product Jalen James adding a second and Dominick Hernandez the third.

Vaqueros supporters group Panther City Hellfire march into the stands at Denton High School prior to the game against Denton Diablos. (5-18-19) (David Rachuig / 3rd Degree)

"If you would have told me at the Annual Owner's Meeting in December that our first game of the season would end up being against our biggest rival and one of the best teams in the conference, and we would end up losing in the second half 4-3, in a back and forth shootout, I simply would not have believed you," Diablos owner Damon Gochneaur told 3rd Degree on Wednesday.

"Seven goals, 3 lead changes, some great shots, and great goals, it was a historic night in every sense of the word, and that's good for everyone," Gochneaur continued. "It was also a great game for the fans, from our supporters groups, to the casual fan just checking out the NPSL for the first time."

For the supporters, this rivalry took off from the jump both in the stands and in social media. Both clubs know the value of their fans as demonstrated by the fan group logos - Denton Harbingers (@DentonHarbinger) and Panther City Hellfire (@FWHellfire) - being included on the Chisholm Trail Clásico Belt. "The back-and-forth from the supporters groups took the match to the level that we as pure soccer aficionados desire," Lopez said of the atmosphere.

Given the last minute game relocation, it was quite a feat for the expansion Diablos rookie organization to pull off a strong event. With lots of last-minute scrambling, the home team managed to pull it together and put on a good show.

James Doyle of the Denton Diablos switches the ball against Fort Worth Vaqueros. (5-18-19) (David Rachuig / 3rd Degree)

"[I'm] Immensely proud of my organization - from players to the coaching staff, to GM, merchandise, broadcast team, etc. - [that] doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about the first leg of the Clásico as an owner," Gochneaur said of the inaugural club game.

Due to quirks in the schedule, Vaqueros haven't played a game since Leg One, giving them lots of time for training.

For Diablos, it's a very different story as they had two games already scheduled in between and their original season opener that was rained out and had to be made up. Those games proved to be just what the Diablos needed as they've gone on a three-game winning streak defeating Dallas City 3-2, Laredo Heat 2-1, and Katy 1895 5-0 since falling to Vaqueros in Leg One.

Now Diablos are looking ahead to Saturday's grudge match against their rivals. "I'm equally excited for another opportunity to test ourselves against what has historically been one of the best teams in the conference," Diablos Owner Gochneaur said. "Having played 3 additional games since meeting [the Vaqueros], we feel we've been able to make some significant strides as a club and are ready to take that momentum back on the road."

GM Lopez knows the Vaqueros have their work cut out for them with the strides the Diablos have made. "We will need to tighten things up in the back. Denton's speed gave us problems and we will have to adjust for that throughout the Starting XI. They now have 4 games under their belts and have scored bags of goals throughout so we have to be ready for their scoring capabilities."

The Chisholm Trail Clásico game poster created by Vaqueros and being given away at this weekend's game. (Fort Worth Vaqueros.)

With somewhat chaotic scheduling, the NPSL shows standings by points per game. Having won their home opener against Tyler FC 3-0 prior to playing the Diablos, Vaqueros are currently in 1st place in the Lone Star Conference with their 2-0-0 record giving them 6 points - and more importantly 3.0 points per game. Denton Diablos at 3-1-0 with 6 points currently sit in 3rd place with 2.25 points per game.

"Our boys understand the importance of this match not only for the Clásico Belt but for Lone Star Conference standings and its impact on making the US Open Cup for 2020," Lopez concluded.

Chisholm Trail Clásico, Leg Two - Denton Diablos at Fort Worth Vaqueros, Saturday, June 1st, 7 pm CT at Farrington Field in Fort Worth. The first 200 fans get a free Chisholm Trail Clásico poster.