Coach's Corner, with Chicago Storm head coach Steve Morris
April 3, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Chicago Storm coach Steve Morris discusses the team's regular-season stretch run, with the playoffs on the horizon.
- Question: Last week's practice was a little different than usual. What was your take on the guys' preparation that went into this past weekend split?
- Coach Morris: Well, I just think that we had some people who were able to train, and we tried to take advantage of it. On Monday and Tuesday, we attacked the week with four practices instead of the regular two. With the extra work, hopefully we were able to get a little more strength in the legs and generate more power in our bodies.
- Question: Was it almost like a training camp with those two-a-days, to start with a clean slate after the Baltimore shutout?
- Coach Morris: Yeah, I think you're on the right page. We wanted to wipe away that game and work ahead from that point forward. That was our focus throughout the week.
- Question: You went back-to-back with Jim Larkin in the net. Did you just want Jeff Richey to more or less collect himself after the team went through a rough spell?
- Coach Morris: I was just trying to find the hot goalkeeper.
- Question: The California game was the Storm's best offensive effort, and it was a well-played second half. It had to be comforting to get an assortment of players contributing, from Chile Farias, to John Ball, to Mark Ughy.
- Coach Morris: Yeah, you know what? ... There were some good things to take away from that game. But we also allowed far too many points to a depleted California team, at home. California worked extremely hard. But to give up 17 points in that game, that shows we're not clicking defensively. I'm more concerned with that.
- Question: I know you're more focused on the games themselves at the moment, but what was your overall perception of Fan Appreciation Night following the California match?
- Coach Morris: We have a growing fan base, and any time you can give back to them is important as a franchise. The guys (Storm players) enjoyed it, and there were many encouraging words. There were also a few comments that weren't encouraging, but that's what makes them fans. Fans have the right to love you and hate you at the same time. Overall, it was a good experience.
- Question: The team finishes off the regular season at Orlando on Saturday. With the injuries this team has had, are you pretty happy that a postseason spot is wrapped up to give you a little bit of flexibility as to who you play and how much time you'll give some players?
- Coach Morris: We have a lot of work to do yet. We still have to gain some health and gain some fitness. And we still have to secure our placement in the playoff field. We're not pleased with where we are, in fifth place. We still have fourth to play for (Note: comment made before Thursday's Monterrey-Philadelphia match). We're concerned with the one game we have this weekend and focused on winning that to get the best possible position.
- Question: This Saturday, the team has a chance to win two of its last three and earn a season-series sweep against Orlando. Momentum has been hard to find this season, but could this be the small bit you're looking for heading into the playoffs?
- Coach Morris: I think we can take something from a win and this last weekend, even against Baltimore. The (16-8) score wasn't indicative of our effort. Baltimore had two fourth-quarter three-pointers, one with a sixth attacker, and that probably created a larger gap than how the game was played. I thought we played really well in that game, and if you took away a few defensive lapses, we would have gotten a better result. There is a lot to take away from that game. This is not a discredit to our goalkeepers, but going into a playoff situation, riding a hot goalkeeper is important. Sagu certainly gave (the Blast) that.
- 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 April 3, 2008
- Reigning champs miss chance to defend title in playoffs - Philadelphia KiXX
- Coach's Corner, with Chicago Storm head coach Steve Morris - Chicago Storm
- Detroit Ignition Newsletter - Detroit Ignition
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