Chicago Storm coach preparing for playoffs

In this week's Q&A, Chicago Storm coach Steve Morris discusses the team's regular-season stretch run, and the Major Indoor Soccer League playoffs on the horizon.

Q. Last week's practice was a little different than usual. What was your take on the preparation.

A. 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.

Q. Was it almost like a training camp with those two-a-days, to start with a clean slate after the Baltimore shutout?

A. 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.

Q. 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?

A. I was just trying to find the hot goalkeeper.

Q. 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.

A. Yeah … 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.

Q. 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?

A. 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.

Q. The team finishes off the regular season at Orlando on Saturday. With the injuries this team has had, are you 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?

A. We have a lot of work to do yet. We still have to gain some health and gain some fitness. … We're concerned with the one game we have this weekend and focused on winning that to get the best possible (playoff) position.

Q. 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?

A. 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.

• This interview was conducted by Chicago Storm media relations director Charlie Corr.