Iron Maiden squares off against FC Edmonton in warm-up gig

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FC Edmonton took part in a last-minute exhibition game Thursday against what may be their strangest opponent of the year: Iron Maiden.

The British heavy metal band is in town to perform at Rogers Place Friday and as a warm-up they decided to reach out to the local professional soccer team to put together a friendly match.

The FC Edmonton side was made up of members of the youth squad, team employees and a few lucky fans while the Iron Maiden squad was made up of the band’s bassist Steve Harris, his son and tour support staff.

Bassist Steve Harris (right) plays during a friendly soccer game between members of Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton's players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The British metal band plays Rogers Place in Edmonton on Aug. 30. Photo by Ian Kucerak/Postmedia
Bassist Steve Harris (right) plays during a friendly soccer game between members of Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton’s players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The British metal band plays Rogers Place in Edmonton on Aug. 30. Ian Kucerak/Postmedia

“We just like to play as long as we can get a team together. We’re just really pleased that we get to play a game and we really appreciate the people putting it on against us,” said Harris before the game. “It’s just nice to get out and play. I like to win, I don’t like to lose like anyone.”

Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton fans Marcus Gluesks (left) Michelle Peters Jones during a friendly soccer game between members of Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton's players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The British metal band plays Rogers Place in Edmonton on Aug. 30. Photo by Ian Kucerak/Postmedia
Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton fans Marcus Gluesks (left) Michelle Peters Jones during a friendly soccer game between members of Iron Maiden and FC Edmonton’s players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. Ian Kucerak/Postmedia

Team Iron Maiden ended up taking the match with a score of 7-3.

The band has been playing against local teams at as many stops as they can during their tour as a way to relax and unwind. The pre-concert ritual recently included a stop at Bayern Munich’s training grounds in Germany where Edmonton-raised superstar Alphonso Davies now plays.

“If you play at a decent facility, you’re gonna play against a good team and so it is what it is. It’s always good games and we ain’t won too many so far,” said Harris.

As for the music, Harris said he expects a loud crowd to rock Rogers Place Friday night.

“We always do well here, crowds are always really good and the expectations are pretty high so you better be bloody good,” he said

An Iron Maiden jersey is seen during a friendly soccer game with FC Edmonton's players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The British metal band plays Rogers Place in Edmonton on Aug. 30. Photo by Ian Kucerak/Postmedia
An Iron Maiden jersey is seen during a friendly soccer game with FC Edmonton’s players, staff and fans at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. Ian Kucerak/Postmedia

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— with files from Derek Van Diest

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