FC Edmonton to travel to Vancouver and Winnipeg for preseason matches

FC Edmonton’s preseason schedule will see the NASL club make pit stops in both Winnipeg and Vancouver.

The team released its official preseason schedule Friday. Some of the dates were already posted on the NASL website, but a few more games have been added.

After playing three games in at the Casa Grande complex in Arizona, the team will head to Vancouver for a St. Patrick’s Day game against the Major Soccer League All Stars.

Then, the team will face PDL side WSA Winnipeg twice during the weekend of March 24-25.

The team’s exhibition season wraps April 2 with its only match against a fellow NASL team. The Eddies will take on the Minnesota Stars in Blaine, Minn.

Last year, FCE was able to get a preseason game against one MLS opponent — FC Dallas. But, with the MLS schedule now kicking off in early March, there is little chance for an NASL team in preseason to meet an MLS side.

The team is expected to have former D.C. United defender Barry Rice on the training camp roster when camp breaks in Arizona. The former University of Kentucky star could help provide some depth at the right back position, which is currently held by local product Antonio Rago.

FC Edmonton preseason schedule (all times MT)
Saturday, March 10, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. FC Tucson – Grande Sports World @ 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 11, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. University of New Mexico @ 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. University of New Mexico @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. Vancouver Major Soccer League All Stars – Vancouver @TBD
Saturday, March 24, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. Winnipeg Alliance – Gateway Community Centre @ TBD
Sunday, March 25, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. Winnipeg Alliance – Gateway Community Centre @ TBD
Monday, April 2, 2012 – FC Edmonton vs. Minnesota Stars – National Sports Center