Svay Rieng demolished

Result: PPCFC Academy 8 Svay Rieng U-19s 0 (Friendly).
With the Crown Academy leading 2-0 at the half-time interval, no-one would've predicted this thrashing, though the home team were in total control at the break. In Sodavid steered the ball into the net on 14 minutes to open the scoring after Ouk Sovann had challenged for Seut Baraing's center. Sovann himself claimed a glorious second with a vicious 30-yard drive that sailed over the keeper's head on 34 minutes. Chances went begging as Orn Chanpolin, Suleiman Samura, Baraing and Sodavid all went close to adding to the score.
After the interval, an own goal after just 3 minutes, as Sovann challenged a defender, began the landslide. More chances went begging from Sovann, Chhuot Senteang and Suleiman before Senteang finished off Baraing's cross to make it four, on 61 minutes. Another Sovann screamer from 20-yards after a classic one-two with Kim Chhaya, made it five three minutes later. A minute later and Senteang followed his teammate, unleashing an unstoppable shot from distance, and within another three minutes completed his hat-trick, with a neat chip after put clear by Suleiman. Sraing Titchhy failed to add another from the penalty spot after a handball, as his drive hit the cross-bar, but Suleiman completed the rout with two minutes remaining, winning the ball in midfield and powering forward to finish with ease. A comprehensive victory by the Academy over their biggest foes.
PPCFC starting XI, back row, LtoR: Chanvuthy, Sovann, Thomas, Senteang, Samnang, Chanpolin. Front: Ponvuthy, Suleiman, Piphop, Sodavid, Baraing.

Wins for youngters

Result: PPCFC Academy U-15s 2 Pisnoka 0 (Friendly).
In the first of three games at RSN today, the Academy U-15s, with four senior Academy players helping out due to absence, ran out winners against Pisnoka with a goal in each half. They took the lead on 13 minutes when Yeu Muslim's shot was fumbled by the keeper and Ky Rina tapped the ball into the net. The second-half was more even but it was Crown who went further ahead on 66 minutes as Pich Sovannaroth and Tong Chanmony combined to set up Muslim for a neat finish in the far corner. PPCFC goalkeeper Kung Chanvuthy was called into action a couple of times and Pisnoka hit the cross-bar but it was to no avail as the Academy saw out the game, 2-nil.
PPCFC vs Pisnoka, back row, LtoR: Chanvuthy, Chetra, Sovannaroth, Chandara, Muslim, Chanchav. Front: Chanmony, S David, Rina, Chansopheak, N David.

Result: PPCFC Academy U-13s 8 Chraing Chamres 4 (Friendly).
The Academy U-13s played their third match on Sunday and continued their winning start to life at PPCFC. In two halves of 35 minutes and with 9-a-side, it was all square at the break at 4-4, with both teams adopting an all-out attack policy. Jonh Chhomrean netted a first-half hat-trick, showing his pace with Chom Sokly also tapping in for Crown. After the break, the home team dominated with Lim Pisoth, Sokly, Chhomrean with his 4th and Thach Thai completing the scoring. 3 games, 3 wins.
PPCFC U-13s, back row, LtoR: Rathana, Nitheavann, Zoly, Darapich, Chhomrean. Front: Nakha, Sokly, Phanny, Ladin.

Fixtures - final version?

The football federation have issued a revised fixture list for the 2015 Metfone C-League involving PPCFC. The matches that will be shown live on BTV are indicated as *LIVE.
Round 1:
Thu 2 July vs Boeung Ket @ RSN Stadium 6pm *LIVE
Sun 5 July vs Nagaworld @ RSN 6pm
Thu 9 July vs Cambodian Tiger @ RSN 6pm *LIVE
Sun 12 Jul vs Asia Europe @ RSN 3.30pm or 6pm
Wed 15 Jul vs Army @ RSN 6pm *LIVE
Sat 18 Jul vs CMAC @ RSN 6pm *LIVE
Thu 23 Jul vs Kirivong @ Tonle Bati 3.30pm
Sat 25 Jul vs Western @ Western Stadium 3.30pm
Wed 29 Jul vs BBU @ RSN 6pm
Sat 1 Aug vs National Police @ Army Stadium 3.30pm *LIVE
Wed 5 Aug vs Svay Rieng @ Svay Rieng 6pm LIVE.

Round 2:
Sat 8 Aug vs Svay Rieng @ RSN 6pm
Wed 12 Aug vs Nagaworld @ Olympic 3.30pm
Sat 15 Aug vs Cambodian Tiger @ Western 3.30pm
Sat 12 Sep vs Asia Europe @ RSN 6pm
Wed 16 Sep vs Army @ Army 3.30pm
Sat 19 Sep vs CMAC @ Olympic 3.30pm *LIVE
Thu 24 Sep vs Kirivong @ RSN 6pm
Sat 26 Sep vs Western @ RSN 6pm
Wed 30 Sep vs BBU @ Olympic 6pm
Sat 17 Oct vs National Police @ RSN 6pm
Thu 22 Oct vs Boeung Ket @ Army 3.30pm.
Play-off dates: 28 & 31 Oct, 21 & 22 Nov and Final on 6 Dec.

Army beaten under lights

Result: PPCFC 3 Army 1 (Friendly).
It took Keo Sokpheng 29 minutes to open his goalscoring account for Crown, and that was after he missed two good opportunities. A lightning fast move down the right wing between Santi Koroma and Leng Makara allowed Sokpheng a smart first-touch on the edge of the box and he despatched the ball into the net. The home team always had the edge and Shane Booysen and Koroma went close before Booysen finished with confidence four minutes before the break after a superb one-touch pass from Va Sokthorn. On the resumption, Sokthorn tried his luck with a couple of long range efforts and Booysen saw his drive pushed around the post for a corner. Nelson Oladiji pulled a goal back for Army with a good finish on 74 minutes and then struck the foot of the post. Crown came back strongly and Um Tola missed a great chance after the keeper saved Kouch Dani's drive. Tola made amends two minutes into time added on when he buried his shot from the edge of the box after neat work from Booysen and Dani. Final score, 3-1 to Crown.
PPCFC vs Army, back row, LtoR: Makara, Sokthorn, Boris, Srin, Obadin, Ary. Front row: Koroma, Sokheng, Matnorotin, Sokpheng, Booysen.

Show no mercy

Result: PPCFC Academy 11 Nat Univ of Mgmt 1 (Friendly).
In this afternoon's friendly game at RSN Stadium, the senior Crown Academy showed little mercy for their university opponents. In three 30-minute periods, Suleiman Samura, Kim Chhaya and Pov Ponvuthy each scored twice in the first period, with Ouk Sovann claiming a hat-trick in the second period including one penalty. In the final third, Yeu Muslim and Chhuot Senteang scored with NUM finding a late consolation goal.
PPCFC starting XI, back row, LtoR: Sovann, Thomas, Chhaya, Chanpolin, Soksela, Titchhy. Front: Ponvuthy, Noeut, Suleiman, Sodavid, Baraing.

Police down Academy

Result: PPCFC Academy 0 National Police 1 (Friendly).

The Academy gave National Police's C-League line-up a good test in this friendly at RSN this afternoon. It was all-square at the break, with Ouk Sovann denied on 8 minutes and then again, with a goal-line clearance from Say Piseth, on 21 minutes. At the other end Keo Soksela saved twice from Srey Udom, the second a leaping two-handed stop, to send the teams in goal-less. Just thirty seconds after the restart, Sovann went close again but it was Police who grabbed the lead just 4 minutes into the second period. Ly Arafin's cross was met by the head of Udom at the far post for what turned out to be the game's only goal. A last-man push in the back by Arafin should've seen red, but Sovann's free-kick was tipped over the cross-bar and then Orn Chanpolin's drive was saved at the post. Jason Thomas and Soksela stood firm at the back for Crown and a mistake by Piseth gifted the ball to Chhuot Senteang but he volleyed straight at the Police keeper, as Police held out for the narrow victory.PPCFC vs Police, back row, LtoR: Umaru, Chanpolin, Soksela, Thomas, Sovann, Samnang. Front: Titchhy, Ponvuthy, Sodavid, Piphop, Phearath.

Result: PPCFC Academy U-13s 8 Prek Taten 5 (Friendly).
In this 9-a-side friendly game at RSN, the newly-formed Academy U-13s came out on top in a goals bonanza. Sem Phanny netted twice in the first five minutes before two goals from Jonh Chhomrean and Tin Ladin put them 4-3 ahead at the break. Ky Rina scored just after the restart and Lim Pisoth added a quick-fire double before Chhomrean wrapped up the scoring for the U-13s with his second.
PPCFC vs Prek Taten, back row, LtoR: Rathana, Darapich, Chhomrean, Nitheavann. Front: Phanny, Sokly, Makara, Nakha, Ladin.

CMAC bombed out

PPCFC vs CMAC, back row, LtoR; Bisan, Sokthorn, Makara, Obadin, Ary, Boris. Front: Matnorotin, Suhana, Boran, Sokheng, Booysen - click to enlarge

Saturday 20 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 4 CMAC UNITED 0 (Friendly).
In this pre-season friendly game under lights at RSN Stadium, Crown took the lead on 31 minutes with a sweeping move involving Shane Booysen and Va Sokthorn feeding George Bisan and his aim was on target into the bottom corner. A Booysen shot was saved and Sokthorn, following-up, was also kept out by the keeper. Crown didn't exactly move mountains albeit dominated possession and the only other good opportunity came a minute before the break when Bisan's hard driven shot was tipped over the cross-bar with a flying save. CMAC came out guns blazing at the start of the second-half and Yok Ary had to be alert to keep out two early efforts. Ten minutes in and Sokthorn played a 1-2 with Sary Matnorotin and his deflected shot found the net. Three minutes later and a fifty-yard dash from Kok Boris into the CMAC box, a touch by Leng Makara and another by Boris set up Booysen, but his shot was blocked leaving Sokthorn with an easy blast for Crown's third goal. A series of substitutions didn't help with the flow of the game and in the later stages, Booysencurled a 20-yard free-kick against the post, his first-time drive fizzed across the face of goal before four minutes from time, Sokthorn's first-time pass sent Booysen scampering clear and he fired past the keeper from twenty yards out for number four. Game over and job done.

Booysen's solo

PPCFC vs C/Tiger, back row, LtoR: Bisan, Boris, Sokthorn, Makara, Obadin, Ary. Front: Boran, Sokheng, Suhana, Booysen, Matnorotin - click to enlarge

Thursday 18 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 1 Cambodian Tiger 0 (Friendly).
In this 3x30 minute period friendly match played on the artificial surface at Western this afternoon, a Shane Booysen goal on 47 minutes separated the two teams. The South African was on hand to drive the ball in from ten yards after Sary Matnorotin's pace took him past two defenders and a prefect pull-back for his teammate to score. George Bisan's snap-shot from 35 yards was the best attempt on goal of the first period, and it needed a superb fingertip save to keep it out. Suong Virak was denied by Yok Ary's quick reflexes after the first break, though Matnorotin twice went close before turning provider for Booysen's goal.
Match report to follow>

PPCFC's fixtures

The Metfone C-League fixtures have been announced. Here are PPCFC's fixtures for the season that start on 1 July.
1st Round:
Wed 1 Jul :    PCFC vs Boeung Ket @ RSN - 6PM
Sat 4 Jul :      PPCFC vs NagaWorld @ RSN - 6PM
Thur 9 Jul :    PPCFC vs Cambodian Tiger @ RSN - 6PM
Sun 12 Jul :   Asia Europe vs PPCFC @ Army - 2PM
Wed 15 Jul :  PPCFC vs Army @ RSN - 6PM
Sat 18 Jul :    PPCFC vs CMAC @ RSN - 6PM
Thur 23 Jul :  Kirivong vs PPCFC @ Army - 4PM
Sat 25 Jul :    Western Uni vs PPCFC @ Western - 3.45PM
Wed 29 Jul :  PPCFC vs BBU @ RSN - 6PM
Sat 1 Aug :    Nat Police vs PPCFC @ Olympic - 4PM
Wed 5 Aug :  Svay Rieng vs PPCFC @ Svay Rieng - 4PM
2nd Round:
Sat 8 Aug :     PPCFC vs Svay Rieng @ RSN - 6PM
Wed 12 Aug : NagaWorld vs PPCFC @ Olympic - 4PM
Sat 15 Aug :   Cambodian Tiger vs PPCFC @ Western - 3.45PM
Wed 19 Aug : PPCFC vs Asia Europe @ RSN - 6PM
Sat 22 Aug :   Army vs PPCFC @ Army - 3.45PM
Wed 26 Aug : CMAC vs PPCFC @ Olympic - 4PM
Sun 30 Aug :  PPCFC vs Kirivong @ RSN - 6PM
Sat 12 Sep :   PPCFC vs Western @ RSN - 6PM
Wed 16 Sep : BBU vs PPCFC @ Olympic - 6.30PM
Sat 19 Sep :   PPCFC vs Nat Police @ RSN - 6PM
Thu 24 Sep :  Boeung Ket vs PPCFC @ Army - 3.45PM
Play-offs will then be held for the Top 4 teams in the final league table, and the Play-off Final will be played on Sunday 11 October.
*kick-off times are subject to change.

U-13s off to flying start

PPCFC U-13 starting team, back row, LtoR: Ratana, Pisoth, Rina, Darapich, Nitheavann. Front Row: Makara, Sokly, Chhamrean, Nakha - click to enlarge

Sunday 14 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown Academy U-13s 10 Chraing Chamres 4 (Friendly).
For their first-ever game as the newest arrivals in the PPCFC Academy, the U-13s, with just one week of training behind them, showed their quality with a dominant display against the older boys of Chraing Chamres. Boosted by three of the younger members of the U-15 team, Ky Rina made his pace and quick feet count with 4 first-half goals (3, 22, 14, 23 minutes) and was joined on the scoresheet by Jonh Chhamrean (18) and Lim Pisoth (37 penalty) as the 9-a-side game over two 35-minute periods went in PPCFC's favour. After the break Tauch Thai (49), Sem Panny (53), Chhamrean (59) and Tin Ladin (70) completed the rout. A great start for the youngsters with a comfortable success.
Match report to follow.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS
RSN Stadium was host to a very important football competition and health screening tournament this morning, as the Special Olympics Cambodia took place on the club's futsal courts. Eight teams and five-a-side matches were enjoyed by the players, youngsters and adults with intellectual disabilities. A team representing PPCFC also took part (pictured with Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber), for the Special Games that were introduced by HE Vong Sauth, Minister of Social Affairs. Congratulations to everyone for taking part and enjoying the event.

Coach Sam Schweingruber with the PPCFC Special Olympics football team

Svay Rieng cast aside

PPCFC vs SVR, back row, LtoR: Obadin, Boris, Thierry, S Pisa, Bisan, Ary. Front: Dani, Boran, Makara, Booysen, Koroma - click to enlarge

Saturday 13 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 4 Svay Rieng 1 (Friendly).
This afternoon's friendly at RSN saw Crown win comfortably with George Bisan scoring two goals before the half-time break to give the home side a well-deserved lead. With a touch more composure, he could've netted another couple as well. For his first on 26 minutes, he latched onto Long Boran's clearance, used his strength and rolled the ball in. Six minutes later Sean Pisa played in Leng Makara and his speed and cut back was driven home by Bisan for number two. The SVR keeper denied the Nigerian hitman two more goals and Odion Obadin headed into the side netting. After the break, Pisa was denied but Kouch Dani added another, with a 25-yard dipping volley after a Bin Thierry shot was blocked, ten minutes after the restart. Defender James Adekunle reduced the arrears from a corner on 65 minutes but Crown wrapped it up with a fourth goal on 71 minutes. Shane Booysen played in Santi Koroma, who rounded the keeper and fired the ball into the net.
Match report to follow.

Crown finish in 3rd spot

PPCFC vs Muangthong, back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Senteang, Titchhy, Thomas, Soksela, Sovann (capt). Front: Suleiman, Ponvuthy, Noeut, Rozak, Baraing - click to enlarge

Sunday 7 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown Academy 1 Muangthong United 1 - RSN Youth Cup.
With Chonburi already claiming the RSN Youth Cup trophy with a 4-1 win over Frenz United in the earlier match, it was Crown's intention to go out on a winning note and though they put on an excellent showing in front of their own fans at RSN Stadium, they fell just short and had to settle for a point, to finish the tournament in 3rd place behind Chonburi and Frenz. Sath Rozak and Chhuot Senteang tried their luck early on for Crown but it was Muangthong who had the ball in the net first, only for it to be ruled offside. On 29 minutes the ground erupted as Suleiman Samura met an Ouk Sovann free-kick with a deft half-volley touch to put Crown ahead. Umaru Samura replaced Suon Noeut and had an immediate impact. He was tackled twice in quick succession as he shaped to shoot, Senteang sent a looping header into the keeper's hands, before the visiting stopper, Yannasit Sukchakroen was out quickly to block Umaru. The same keeper couldn't hold a Sovann drive but as the ball fell kindly to Senteang, he sent his header spinning agonizingly wide.
A Sovann free-kick was tipped around the foot of a post as the 2nd half got underway. Suleiman Samura rose to a Sovann corner though headed powerfully wide, but it was the visitors who found the net on 56 minutes. Wongsathon Wisetphan got his head to a free-kick and the ball looped over the head of Keo Soksela and into the far corner to make it 1-1. Crown had the best of the chances with In Sodavid, Kim Chhaya and Suleiman all going very close. Sodavid was bundled over in the box but the flag was raised for offside and Soksela was alert to the last minute danger from Sundy Wongderee. Honours even, and a third straight draw for PPCFC.
Match report to follow:

Academy hold Chonburi

PPCFC v Chonburi, back row, LtoR; Umaru, Chanchav, Chhaya, Soksela, Thomas, Sovann. Front Row: Piphop, Sodavid, Ponvuthy, Suleiman, V Samnang (capt) - click to enlarge

Saturday 6 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown Academy 0 Chonburi (Thailand) 0 - RSN Youth Cup.
The Crown Academy showed their resilience and determination to halt free-scoring Chonburi in this afternoon's game at RSN Stadium. Chonburi came into the game on a roll, having beaten Muangthong 5-1 and after a quiet 15 minutes, they pressed the home team, forcing Keo Soksela in the Crown goal to make two smart saves from Nattayot Phonyiam. At the other end Ouk Sovann was tackled as he sped clear and from the corner, Umaru Samura found room at the far post, only to see his effort clear the cross-bar by inches. Soksela dived at the feet of Saharat Sontisawat and then watched as Phonyiam's header clipped the top of the bar. Chonburi were enjoying the lion's share of possession but found Crown a tough nut to crack, with Soksela again in fine form at the start of the 2nd half. Worachit Kanitsribumphen volleyed a pass into his hands and then the keeper dived full length to his right to keep out a long range drive from Athiwat Poolsawat. On the half-hour Jason Thomas rose above the Chonburi defence to meet In Sodavid's corner, only to direct his header into the hands of keeper Chakhon Philakhlang, as the two teams cancelled out each other to end the game all-square. Crown meet Muangthong (who lost 3-1 to Frenz in the 2nd match today) at 6pm tomorrow in their final RSN Youth Cup match.
Match report to follow.

Crown start with a point

PPCFC XI, back row, LtoR: Umaru, Chhaya, Soksela, Titchhy, Thomas, Sovann. Front Row: Sodavid, Noeut, Suleiman, Baraing, Samnang (capt) + two lions (Boris and Danny) - click to enlarge

Friday 5 June 2015: Phnom Penh Crown Academy 0 Frenz United (Malaysia) 0 - RSN Youth Cup.
In an intriguing opening match of the RSN Youth Cup at the new RSN Stadium, PPCFC found Frenz a tough nut to crack and had to weather an opening onslaught by the visitors. As Crown got into the game, Kim Chhaya had a shot easily held while Umaru Samura challenged the keeper to a long ball and the ball squirmed out to Chhaya but his goal-bound shot was turned away. Frenz moved the ball quickly and looked assured but it was Crown who were inches away from taking the lead when Ouk Sovann's free-kick kissed the crossbar two minutes into the 2nd half. Umaru was also a foot wide with a snap-shot a few minutes later. Crown keeper Keo Soksela distinguished himself with a tackle on the edge of his box and a fingertip touch that stopped Frenz capitalising, while Chhaya sent a 25-yard drive spinning wide. As the final whistle sounded honours were shared, with real chances at a premium in the game. In the 2nd match, Chonburi stormed into a five-goal lead by half-time though Muangthong grabbed a consolation goal in a 5-1 reverse. 
Match report to follow.