Dynamo's A.J. DeLaGarza says he stands by FC Dallas burn

Dynamo defender A.J. DeLaGarza (20) has never played in the Texas Derby, but he already has figured out how much Houston likes to pick on Dallas and vice versa. In February, FC Dallas made a joke about Houston, and DeLaGarza fired back with a burn of his own. less Dynamo defender A.J. DeLaGarza (20) has never played in the Texas Derby, but he already has figured out how much Houston likes to pick on Dallas and vice versa. In February, FC Dallas made a joke about Houston, ... more Photo: Tim Warner/For The Chronicle Photo: Tim Warner/For The Chronicle Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Dynamo's A.J. DeLaGarza says he stands by FC Dallas burn 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

It did not take long for Dynamo defender A.J. DeLaGarza to figure out the Texas Derby and endear himself to Houston fans.

This week – with Houston preparing to play FC Dallas for the first time in 2017 – he was reminded of the jab he hit Dallas with three months ago before he even took the pitch as one of the newest Dynamo players.

In February, FC Dallas hosted a party at which it unveiled a new road jersey. The jersey has stars in the background of the chest area but not over the crest because it has not won any league championships.

On its Twitter account, the club posted a photo of some of its players in their new uniform laughing and included the caption: "Houston's actually a pretty nice city."

"Houston's actually a pretty nice city." pic.twitter.com/IbkR7wQeUd — FC Dallas (@FCDallas) February 18, 2017

DeLaGarza, who had been acquired by the Dynamo in a trade only a month earlier, quoted the Dallas tweet and replied, "That's nice they finally put stars on your jerseys. #WelcomeToTheRivalry"

That's nice they finally put stars on your jerseys...#WelcomeToTheRivalry https://t.co/czk6W8aaB7 — AJ DeLaGarza (@AJD_20) February 18, 2017

On Tuesday, DeLaGarza, whose Dynamo jersey has two stars above the crest because of the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup titles, said he stands by his message.

"I got a warm welcome from the Houston fans after that tweet," DeLaGarza said with a smile.

DeLaGarza will get his first experience playing in the Texas Derby Sunday night when the Dynamo travel to Frisco. It will not be his first time playing against Dallas. He did that plenty of times in his eight years as a member of the LA Galaxy.

He may not like FC Dallas, but he respects it.

"They're the best team in the league the last couple years," DeLaGarza said. "I know that and everyone around here knows that. But we have a team that we think can beat them. I am excited about this match and I expect a good one."