Coach's Corner, with Chicago Storm head coach Steve Morris
March 20, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Coach Steve Morris delves through the team's shorthanded battles this season as the Storm prepare for Baltimore this Saturday.
- Question: I know it's getting a little repetitive, but against New Jersey, another game where the bounces aren't going the team's way and a veteran goalkeeper like Tony Meola coming up with some big saves. Is that pretty much your take from this game?
- Coach Morris: Yeah, that pretty much sums up our last month and a half. We had a poor start, and when you're going up against a goalkeeper who's playing pretty well, you come away on the losing end. We didn't make enough of our own opportunities. So, we're working on fixing all of that.
- Question: Chile Farias had a nice game, offensively, but are your feelings a little mixed because of his second-half yellow card?
- Coach Morris: Yeah, he knows we're disappointed in not only the fact that he wasn't on the field in a crucial part of the match against New Jersey, but because of his second yellow, he has to sit a game this weekend. We just don't have the players available to compensate. So I'm disappointed, and before the game we had a conversation about this exact same thing. There's a lot of good that can come from Chile's passion and competitiveness, but sometimes we also have to pay a price. He's away with his family right now, and (Thursday) he became a citizen of the United States. So I'm very happy for him.
- Question: One Achilles heel of the team has been some early goals, some quick restart goals. And yet, the team is probably one of the better ones in the league in terms of fewest points allowed over the course of the season. Is this squad defensively just the type that needs to get settled into the game to properly mark another team?
- Coach Morris: I think that prior to the last three weeks or so, we were far away the best first-quarter team as far as goals for us and goals against. We had been leading the league in fewest goals allowed in the first quarter, and our differential was one of the better ones in the league. Unfortunately, when things are not going well, those sorts of stats can get turned around. We've had a few bad starts to some matches, recently. We've had some bad breaks, but also some poor play. Collectively, as a team, it's put us in a hole. When you're fighting injury, on the road and dealing with a shortened roster, it's psychologically damaging to a team.
- Question: Has the need to win just one more game to secure a playoff spot something the team has used as special motivation to get itself going?
- Coach Morris: No, we've tried to stay away from that. We're just trying to get ourselves on the right path and in good form. The result on our end or the result on somebody else's end may or may not come. Some teams can look solid in the regular season and then drop off in the playoffs. We know that we have to put ourselves into a playoff position. We're just focused on getting healthy.
- Question: Stephen Armstrong has been upgraded to probable with his ankle injury. I imagine he will be a welcome return to the lineup.
- Coach Morris: I'll be honest with you ... (Thursday) morning's practice was Stephen's first time on the field in two weeks. While he looked good, he still had a tweak during exercises. So I have to figure if that risk weighs heavily enough for us to play him. We've got another three (regular-season) games remaining after Saturday. And I'll also address that with Rosey (Andy Rosenband, who is nursing a hamstring injury). They will be game-time decisions.
- Question: You face Baltimore for a third time. What is the team's game plan against the Blast on Saturday, particularly breaking down Sagu and his surrounding defense?
- Coach Morris: They're one of the teams that's playing well right now. They had a tough win against California on the road. We expect a tough game from them. I'm not sure how they are health-wise, but I'm sure it's a lot better than where we are. We know we have to be at our best and battle hard, with small personnel.
- Interview conducted by public and media relations director Charlie Corr.
The Chicago Storm are members of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Storm offices are located at 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., in Hoffman Estates. For more information on all aspects of Storm soccer, including season tickets, group outings, birthday parties and more, call (866) STORM-81, or visit ChicagoStorm.net.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from March 20, 2008
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