Chicago Storm - Coach's Corner

Published on April 9, 2008 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release


Storm coach Steve Morris previews the team's upcoming quarterfinal playoff series against Monterrey.

Question: With the playoffs here, and this game being so fast to begin with, is it noticeable that the intensity picks up even more?

Coach Morris: I think it's noticeable. I think there definitely is an increase of intensity, effort, desire, all those intangibles seem to be at the forefront when the playoffs start. It's no different than most sports. There's something about in the playoffs, knowing that the end is near, and rising to the occasion. It's a very special moment.

Question: This is the Storm's third straight playoff appearance. Is the team in a similar situation as last year from the standpoint of veterans and a mix of youth heading in?

Coach Morris: Rosters change so much, and what we're going to do is rely on the guys who have been here and use the younger guys at places during the game where we feel we can get something from them. We're not going to ask them to carry the team. This is on the veterans right now. This is on them to lead the way, and we hope they rise to it. In saying that, our young guys will have to play. They're going to have to excel.

Question: Would you say John Ball, who will play in his 10th postseason, has fit that veteran mold in recent weeks with his caliber of play?

Coach Morris: Health is important with John, and when you play this many games - both indoor and outdoor - your body sooner or later pays the price. We've had to nurse him through the season a little bit to make sure he's 100 percent. He has been contributing lately offensively, more in recent games than earlier this season. John is going to be one of the guys who absolutely carries the flag for us to elevate his game to another level.

Question: This season, two expansion teams in Monterrey and New Jersey have advanced to the playoffs. It goes without saying that La Raza isn't your typical "expansion" squad, with some experienced players to feed off of.

Coach Morris: What's funny about expansion is usually the teams that end up coming out with the most experience are the expansion teams. It's the holdover teams that have to replace veteran players that you lost in the draft. ... We feel good about our players because they've had an opportunity to play. The one positive about our injury situation this year is we've force fed the game to the younger guys. They've seen the ups and downs, and now we're in the playoffs, which is a completely different ball game.

Question: The Storm and Monterrey split head-to-head this season. Based on the last game (an 11-9 Chicago victory), will a playoff series win boil down to heavier ball control to limit Monterrey's high-powered offense?

Coach Morris: They're a high-scoring team, and they score a lot of points. For them to not be successful, we have to keep them off the score sheet. We have to limit their opportunities with the ball, and that means possession. That'll be a focus of our game (Thursday). But we're going to have to score more points - whether it's 5-4, or 19-18 - we're going to have to get our offense going. We'll need contributions from the entire team.

Question: Are you worried at all about the team not securing the type of regular-season momentum it had last season heading into the playoffs?

Coach Morris: We've been without players all year long, on the first, second and third lines, other guys who have had to float; some guys have played the midfield, the back, second forward. We're comfortable with each other, and now it's a new season. As much as we've been frustrated in recent weeks about our performance, health and overall game, this is an opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Everybody's starting at 0-0. We have the first game at home, and we look forward to that. We look forward to playing with renewed energy, and we're excited for Thursday night.

- Interview conducted by public and media relations director Charlie Corr.

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