Coach's Corner, with Storm head coach Steve Morris
February 14, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Coach Steve Morris evaluates the team's recent win in Philly and previews Friday's match against California.
- Question: How important was having the Storm School Day Game the previous week to prepare for the morning rigors of Wednesday's Philadelphia KiXX School Day Game?
- Coach Morris: As a coach you always want to try to duplicate game settings in practice. We were fortunate enough to have our School Day Game, and it prepared us for the timeline of how to prepare for an A.M. kickoff. I thought the guys battled well.
- Question: What was your impression of some of the practice-drill-like scoring chances against Philadelphia? Fabinho's three-point goal from Chile Farias certainly stands out.
- Coach Morris: Our execution was great against Philadelphia. I thought Fabinho's goal was a goal that I'd like to see more of. When we open up our targets and isolate them a little bit more, 1-v.-1, and have them flashing, as opposed to wide areas. We have guys who understand how to check and move defenders on the run to hit their targets. I thought Chile did an outstanding job of holding the ball and also leading with the ball so Fabinho could shoot first-time off the target. When you lay it off, it requires another touch to prepare it, another touch to set you up, and another touch to hit it. Chile put it on a platter for Fabinho.
- Question: Gabriel Cigliano got his first goal, so how have you liked his quick progression?
- Coach Morris: More importantly, I thought he defended very well. He didn't look out of place as far as how to make the correct runs. He made himself available for the keeper when under pressure. He was very composed on the ball. He's obviously very athletic and strong, and he's a nice addition. Keep in mind it's only his fifth game, including some spot shifts and limited play. We look forward to the continued growth of Gabriel.
- Question: In maintaining some momentum while also battling the injury bug, how do you try to push the players to a certain level and then hold back on another level when someone's health is in question?
- Coach Morris: That's been the battle for us all season. We've tried to get the most out of the guys who are healthy and not straining the ones who aren't healthy. I think we're finally to the point right now that we're close to being healthier than we've been all year. We haven't played one full game with everyone healthy. We missed Chris (Brisson) and Randy (Soderman) against Philadelphia. So we have a shot Friday against California to play with a complete lineup (minus Will Kletzien who is out for the remainder of the season).
- Question: California has really hit the injury bug this season. Will there be a little bit of unfamiliarity with their lineup?
- Coach Morris: I'm not sure. I think they're going to have close to their full team back, minus their main injuries. I think Brian Farber still is a question mark. Obviously Vicente Figueroa is still out. But the guys who have been out for a couple weeks should be back.
- Question: Last time against California, the Storm put together a strong early start (despite a deceiving 4-0 deficit) and continued performing well on the road. That all factors into Friday's match.
- Coach Morris: We want to be a difficult out on the road, maybe frustrate them a little bit. The key is playing well defensively. If we come out defensively, we'll put ourselves in line to get a good result. Against Baltimore, we have up six points in the first 10 minutes, so if we play well defensively from the start, we'll get the job done.
- 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 February 14, 2008
- Cougars sign Aterado and Bonser to contracts - California Cougars
- Storm shoot for third straight win, travel to California - Chicago Storm
- Coach's Corner, with Storm head coach Steve Morris - Chicago Storm
- KiXX look to get back on track in Detroit Friday - Philadelphia KiXX
- Three-game win streak snapped on school day; KiXX travel to Detroit on Friday, February 15 - Philadelphia KiXX
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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