HOUSTON — It isn't as intense as some rivalry matches he played in Mexico, but Houston Dynamo forward Erick "Cubo" Torres is still excited for Saturday's Texas Derby.

Torres didn't get into the Dynamo's opening-round draw with the New England Revolution last weekend, but hopes to play against FC Dallas in the first of three meetings between the teams this MLS regular season.

"It’s been a while since we beat Dallas and, well, we know that [Saturday] we’re representing the Houston Dynamo," Torres said after a training session Friday. "The club and lots of fans are counting on us."

The MLS rivalry clash falls on the same weekend as Mexico's biggest rivalry, the Super Clasico between Mexico City's Club America and Chivas of Guadalajara. Torres has scored against America on two different occasions and also has a number of goals against Chivas' crosstown rival Atlas to his name.

"Matches like Chivas against America, Chivas against Atlas, they’re matches that are completely different experiences," Torres said. "The week leading up to them are very intense weeks. You can’t sleep, it’s tough to have food or get rest. These are things that truly are difficult to processes because you know they’re matches that play a big part for the fans, for the institution, for their honor, prestige above all."

Despite the difficulty in the build up, the 23-year-old said that the weeks were ultimately enjoyable because of the passion that comes out in both players and supporters.

While there isn't the same intensity in this MLS rivalry, Torres said plenty of fans have been sending him messages of support on social media underlining the importance of Saturday's game.

Houston hosts FC Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday, while Chivas hosts America at 9:30 p.m. ET the following day.