Hat-trick for Shane

Match Result: PPCFC 6 Cambodian Tiger 2 (Friendly).
In this friendly match at RSN Stadium with 3x30-minute halves, Crown went in front through Shane Booysen on 9 minutes and never looked back. Booysen calmly floated in his second on 36 minutes, and despite Neou Sosela pulling a goal back, a five-minute hat-trick from Um Tola sealed their fate. A header on 50 minutes, a neat snap-shot on 54 mins and a well-timed volleyed lob a minute later have him a trio of goals to remember. In the final period, Keo Sokngon headed Crown's sixth on 78 minutes and Tiger netted a second through Kihara Masakaz, but it was too little, too late.
PPCFC vs Tiger, back row, LtoR: Obadin, Usarphea, Sokngon, Baek, S Pisa, Boran. Front: Yaneat, Da, Booysen, Sokheng, Koroma.

Bin Thierry scored just before the half-time interval in the Cambodia national team's friendly match with Laos in Bangkok tonight, but it wasn't enough to avert a 2-1 defeat in the team's final match before they head to Japan for the World Cup Qualifying game on 3 September. All 4 PPCFC players in the World Cup squad - Thierry, Kok Boris, Sos Suhana and Keo Sokpheng - started the match with Laos.

Victory over BBU

Result: PPCFC Academy 4 BBU 1 (Friendly).
The senior Academy team were too strong for a young BBU line-up in this friendly encounter at RSN Stadium this afternoon and an early 5th minute goal from Yeu Muslim set the pace. Chhuot Senteang netted a second just before the break. BBU took advantage of a wayward pass to score but Crown came back strongly with goals from substitutes Pov Ponvuthy ( 72 mins) and Mat Sakrovy (87 mins) to win comfortably.
PPCFC line-up, back row, LtoR: Senteang, Umaru, Chanpolin, Chanchav, S Samnang, Sodavid. Front: Muslim, V Samnang, Noeut, Rozak, Baraing.

Shiny Rahus join Crown

PPCFC have joined forces with the Shiny Rahus, also known as the Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club (PPSRC), who will provide a weekly rugby training session for Crown's three Academy age groups. In return, RSN will host rugby events with PPSRC whenever possible. The rugby training will be designed to improve the Academy players' competitive mentality, pain thresholds and physical capabilities. Joining Tom Legg, Crown's Academy Technical Director, at the signing of the memorandum of understanding at RSN was PPSRC's Steve Noble, Fabien Dutasta and Ricardo Maria. We look forward to a fruitful relationship with our rugby-playing friends.

3 in U-16s squad

Three members of the PPCFC U-15 Academy squad - Sin Kakada, Yue Safy and Yem Chetra - have joined the Cambodia U-16 national team for their trip to Malaysia to play a friendly match against the hosts national team and then will travel to Singapore for the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers. Cambodia will play against North Korea (2 Sept), Thailand (4 Sept) and hosts Singapore (6 Sept) in Group H in Singapore. A total of 45 countries entered the qualifying stage and are drawn into eleven groups. The Crown boys were also part of the national team squad that won the GFA Soriya U-15 international tournament at Tonle Bati last week that included teams from Japan and Singapore. Good luck to the boys and their teammates on their travels to Malaysia and Singapore.

NT to Bangkok

LtoR: Suhana, Sokpheng, Boris, Thierry

The four PPCFC players with the Cambodia national team - Sos Suhana, Keo Sokpheng, Kok Boris and Bin Thierry - who are currently in Bangkok, will be involved in friendly matches against Thai Premier team Army United this evening and against Laos on 29 August, before the squad fly out to Japan for their World Cup Qualifying 2nd Round tie, which will take place on 3 September. We wish the players and the national team much success in their forthcoming matches. Sary Matnorotin has withdrawn from the squad through illness.

Following her dreams

Channou is one of our PPCFC community coaches and is a great example to young girls of following your dreams. She was a player with the Mighty Girls in Battambang for four years and is now living in Phnom Penh, combining her university studies in administration law with coaching our community teams. Channou was a goalkeeper and coach for the women's national team. Watch this video about her @ https://youtu.be/D2jG_Xjtt5s

Academy results

Back row, LtoR: Chanmony, Sakrovy, Chandara, Suleiman, Panha, Bory. Front: Puthik, N David, Pisoth, S David, Samel

The PPCFC Academy results this weekend: On Saturday the Academy U-13s beat Banteay Meanchey 3-2 with goals from Chhomrean 2 and Sokly. Following that game, the senior Academy team won 4-0 against K157 at RSN. Ouk Sovann, Umaru Samura 2 and In Sodavid scored the goals. On Sunday, the Academy U-15s drew 2-2 with Green Youth (Anachak Baitong), with Tong Chanmony and Mat Sakrovy scoring. Here's the U-15s pictured before the game with a couple of senior Academy players included. Back row, LtoR: Chanmony, Sakrovy, Chandara, Suleiman, Panha, Bory. Front: Puthik, N David, Pisoth, S David, Samel.

Making new friends

The PPCFC starting XI vs Star Light FC in Battambang: back row, LtoR: Ary, S Pisa, Baek, Bisan, Obadin (capt). Front: Da, Sokheng, Makara, Booysen, Boran, Yaneat.

MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Phnom Penh Crown have just completed a very successful tour of the northwest provinces of Cambodia. Six days spent in Siem Reap, Poipet and Battambang, making many new friends, playing four friendly matches against local teams and hosting football training sessions with young children, went extremely well. The players and staff enjoyed the informal break from competitive football, after a hectic 14 league matches in 44 days. A big thank you to all the PPCFC fans, old and new, that came to watch our friendly matches and who took time out to meet the players before and after the games. The interaction between fans and players was an important part of building a relationship between supporters and the club and was a key feature of this tour. The players enjoyed the support they received at each location, and we would also like to thank the staff at the three hotels we stayed in, Dara Reang Sey Angkor Hotel (Siem Reap), Crown Casino Hotel (Poipet) and Vimean Sovannaphoum Hotel (Battambang), who looked after us so well.

22 August 2015: PPCFC 12 Star Light FC (Battambang) 1 (Friendly).
In their final match on their northwest tour, PPCFC received a wake-up call after just two minutes of their visit to Battambang to play Star Light at the airport. A quick break and a goal gave the large home support something to cheer but that was about it, as Crown controlled the ball for the rest of the match to run out very comfortable winners. Prom Yaneat and Leng Makara put PPCFC in front before a hat-trick including two headers for George Bisan, and another goal for Yaneat to post a 6-1 half-time lead. Just 17 seconds into the 2nd-half, Um Tola touched the ball home and the rout continued. A stunning 30-yard volley from Touch Sokheng was followed by a Santi Koroma penalty for handball. Yongsun Baek cushioned in a header, as did Koroma from a yard before Bisan wrapped it up with an individual goal for his 4th.

PPCFC on tour

PPCFC at Angkor Wat on tour in the northwest

Today the Phnom Penh Crown 1st-team squad will leave Poipet after a very successful two-day stay in the border town and will travel to Battambang. This afternoon (Saturday) at 3.30pm, the PPCFC team will play against Star Light FC at the Airport in Battambang. We urge all football fans in Battambang to come and watch the game and cheer for your team. Can Star Light FC beat the Cambodian Champions or will PPCFC continue their winning run of matches on their northwest tour of Cambodia? Come and see for yourselves. We want a BIG crowd to watch the final match of PPCFC’s tour. The tour has been a great success with large crowds coming to watch our three matches in Siem Reap and Poipet (match reports below), as well as our community activities with football coaching sessions by the players and staff and a mini-football festival with 120 children in Poipet.

21 August 2015:: PPCFC 9 Ly Hengchhay FC (Poipet) 2 (Friendly).

Crown finished their stay in Poipet with a convincing 9-2 victory over Ly Hengchhay at the 855Crown futsal pitch in front of another good-sized crowd. George Bisan scored a first-half hat-trick with Prom Yaneat and Long Boran also netting. The home side scored with the final kick of the half. Shane Booysen entertained the crowd with his ball skills as well as two goals after the break, with Um Tola also scoring twice late on. Overall, a good work-out for Crown who dominated throughout and made many new friends in Poipet.

20 August 2015: PPCFC 3 Asia4Bet FC (Poipet) 2 (Friendly).

After the children’s festival involving Crown, SALT Academy and the Mighty Girls, the squad played an 11-a-side friendly match on the futsal court against Asia4Bet FC and came out 3-2 winners, without really pushing too hard during the two 35-minute halves. Prom Yaneat and a rare Shane Booysen header gave Crown a 2-goal interval lead and Booysen extended that with a goal from an almost impossible angle. The home team never gave up and scored two goals but were always second-best, in front of a large audience.

18 August 2015: PPCFC 11 Next Step FC (Siem Reap) 3 (Friendly 9-a-side).

In the opening match of the PPCFC 1st-Team tour of the northwest provinces, a large crowd gathered at the Galaxy Goal futsal pitch in Siem Reap to witness a masterclass in futsal from the Cambodian champions, and a creditable never-give-in performance from Next Step. The game was 9-a-side and two halves of 35 minutes, with Long Boran scoring Crown’s opening goal on 3 minutes from a free-kick and adding a second on 15 minutes. Santi Koroma added another before a goalkeeping howler presented Next Step with a goal. Um Tola headed home from Boran’s long throw before Santi netted two more and one from Sor Polo to end the opening half at 7-1.
Crown changed their line-up for the second-half and George Bisan scored a brace of goals before the home team netted a real beauty of a goal. Shane Booysen and Lous Charly also got on the scoresheet before Next Step grabbed a late consolation. The match was played in an excellent spirit and gave the big crowd lots to cheer.

Children's football festival in Poipet

The Crown squad also took part in a children’s football festival in Poipet on Thursday, with 120 youngsters joining in with the SALT Academy and Mighty Girls from Battambang. It was a great success with both boys and girls up to the age of 16 enjoying themselves with ball skills, drills and six-a-side matches on the 855Crown field near the border with Thailand. In Siem Reap the players and staff held coaching sessions with a local NGO and an expat community team of children. This has been an important part of the club’s outreach program on their tour.

Held by Tiger

PPCFC vs Cambodian Tiger, back row, LtoR: Obadin, Bisan, Thierry, Sokngon, Ary, Boris (capt). Front: Dani, Suhana, Makara, Matnorotin, Booysen.

15 August 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 0 Cambodian Tiger 0 (Metfone C-League).
Despite extending their unbeaten MCL record to 14 games, Crown will be asking why their usually potent goal threat wasn’t in evidence on the artificial pitch at Western Stadium today. Yasuyuki Yoshida, in the Tiger goal, kept out a Kouch Dani early on and later denied Keo Sokngon, George Bisan and Sary Matnorotin. At the other end, Yok Ary was called into action to keep out Privat Mbarga and Suong Virak, whilst Mbraga failed to cash in on a rare weak defensive header from the ever-reliable Odion Obadin. The teams now go into a 1-month break from league action whilst the Cambodian national team focus on their World Cup preparations. PPCFC are top of the MCL table by 1 point from Boeung Ket, having played 1 game more.

Head coach Sam Schweingruber gave this reaction at the final whistle. “The first-half, it was pointless to be here, but the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half, we showed that we wanted to win, four half chances and with a bit more luck we could’ve scored, but when you are defending champions and you play against teams who celebrate a nil-nil draw like a victory, in the end you shouldn’t be surprised. Overall, Tiger worked really hard and deserved the draw. We were absolutely lifeless in the 1st half. It was pretty much a repetition of the Naga first-half, so very disappointed that we couldn’t learn the lessons. I didn’t get the response I wanted. I never settle for 1 point, that’s two points dropped in my view. A draw is a loss, that’s our idea for the whole season.”

Academy draw with Frenz at RSN

PPCFC vs Frenz, back row, LtoR: Chanpolin, Chhaya, Jason, Umaru, S Samnang, Sodavid (capt). Front: Sovann, Ponvuthy, Piphop, V Samnang, Baraing.

14 August 2015: Phnom Penh Crown Academy 1 Frenz United B 1 (U18 Asia Champions Trophy).

What a great game and areal credit to both teams for producing such a high quality ACT match under floodlights at RSN Stadium. Crown began brightly but it was both goalkeepers who were on top form early on, with Svang Samnang tipping a blast from Akhmar Haiqal over the cross-bar and Frenz’s Adam Zairi Zaini doing the same from Umaru Samura’s flicked header. Frenz took advantage of a defensive howler to open the scoring on 30 minutes, as Haiqal nipped in to steer the ball into an empty net. Just six minutes later and Jason Thomas got the all-important touch to an Ouk Sovann corner to put PPCFC back on level terms. Chances continued to be created at both ends, with the home team just edging in front in possession and opportunities created. In Sodavid and Sovann went very close, Haiqal rolled a shot inches wide and Adam Zaini pulled off a flying fingertip save in the top corner from Seut Baraing’s free-kick. Thomas was denied with five minutes to go when his header from Sovann’s corner was cleared off the goal-line, as Frenz ended the game with 10-men when Bursanudin Ahya was sent off for a second yellow card. A fabulous advertisement for the ACT2015.

PPCFC Academy head coach Bouy Dary was encouraged by the performance of the senior Academy team against Frenz United with an entertaining 1-1 draw, which was less than week after they lost 5-0 in Japan against Kashima. “The boys did really well, we created a lot of chances, we should really score more goals and win the game. For me I’m pleased with the result and the way we played, we had a lot of possession and chances, but sometimes we need a bit of luck as well. One thing we need to learn is that we need to be stronger. I think the Frenz keeper saved a lot of stuff tonight, some really good saves, he did really well. For our side, the whole team did really well but Jason scored a goal, caused them problems at set pieces and had a very good game defensively as well.”

Close-fought success

Wednesday 12 August 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 1 Nagaworld 0 (Metfone C-League).
In the first match played at Olympic Stadium this season, PPCFC took their unbeaten record to 13 matches with their 11th victory, thanks to a single Shane Booysen goal on 56 minutes. Sary Matnorotin created the opportunity with a persistent run down the right wing and his pull-back center was drilled inside the far post by Booysen for his 13th goal of the campaign. The first-half was largely uneventful though Samrith Seiha’s fingertips took Booysen’s cross off the head of George Bisan and at the other end Sun Sovannrithy headed over from a free-kick. Naga came out of their defensive shell after Crown took the lead with Barry Lelouma behind most of their offensive moves, though it was Bisan who strolled past three challenges but couldn’t beat Seiha’s outstretched hand. PPCFC keeper Yok Ary dived low to keep out a Kouch Sokumpheak snap-shot, Leng Makara headed one effort off the goal-line and an injury-time header from Thorn Darapich hit Dani Kouch in the chest as Crown collected yet another win bonus of 3 points, in a closely-fought contest.

Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber offered this assessment of yesterday's 1-0 win over Nagaworld at Olympic Stadium. "The first-half we gave their defence a holiday. A lack of movement and a lack of intensity, I've never seen my team act so slow in transition, probably our laziest performance of the season. Some of the players said it was very hot with a 3.30 game and we didn't have perfect preparation as we came late to the stadium, something we need to improve and make sure is not repeated. We applied ourselves better in the second-half. For the first fifteen minutes the players had a different attitude on the field and we did enough to be more switched on, quicker, we pressed in their half and because of that 15 minutes, we deserved the win, even though it was a bit nerve-wracking in the end. Too many players were very tired and struggling, so compliments to Naga for changing their formation and for 25 minutes they gave us a run for the money."

Seven-Up

Saturday 8 August 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 7 Svay Rieng 1 (Metfone C-League).
The smile across George Bisan’s face at the full-time whistle said it all as the Nigerian hotshot demolished Svay Rieng at RSN Stadium with a 4-goal haul as Crown went on the goal rampage, winning 7-1 to register a memorable double over their rivals. Bisan confidently scored his first after just two minutes and Keo Sokngon set up Shane Booysen for number two, and the South African ball wizard netted with a perfect lob into the net on 10 minutes. Another piece of brilliance by Booysen as he flicked Touch Sokheng’s pass over the head of the defender and crashed his shot into the top corner gave Crown a three-goal margin on 21 minutes. Crown continued their dominance though keeper Yok Ary was called on to make two saves before the visitors went down to 10-men as Sok Samnang was red-carded for a second booking with three minutes of the first-half left to play.
Keo Sokpheng put an inch-perfect cross onto the head of Bisan on 52 minutes as Crown cemented their control with their 4th, but the striker sent a good chance the wrong side of the post after set up by Kok Boris soon after. Santi Koroma had replaced Booysen and nipped in before the keeper to tuck the ball home from Bisan’s pass on 61 minutes, though Atuheire Kipson saved Svay Rieng from a whitewash with a goal on 71 minutes. Ary and the cross-bar denied the visitors a second before Crown stormed back through a fine solo goal from Bisan on 81 minutes, and the top scorer was at it again with five minutes remaining, rising high to head Koroma’s cross inside the post for number 7 and a deserved win for the home side.

Head coach Sam Schweingruber’s after-match comments were: “We couldn’t ask for more than being up after a couple of minutes. I think we deserved it, the other team look scared from the beginning, we had the right intensity. I saw from the start that our boys were there to show what we are capable of doing. So very pleased with how we started the game. I wanted us to have a quality second period, as often we only play one good half. I’m very pleased with the second-half, even though they created some chances, which was impressive, and they kept trying, but we were disciplined enough, we have learned from previous mistakes in other games, and I think our quality and maturity was there for everyone to see.
George and Shane make a difference at certain times in games. I am happy with their impressive goals record. But I do want to see other players on the scoresheet. An impressive performance, a deserved win and an excellent reaction to the disappointment of the draw with Police, which we evaluated very carefully and now we are marching forward with these two wins over Svay Rieng. It was great to see so many fans today, supporting us in great numbers. Hopefully they can come to support us against Naga at Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.”

Winning away

Wednesday 5 August 2015: Svay Rieng 1 Phnom Penh Crown 3 (Metfone C-League).
On an already waterlogged pitch and under heavy rain, Crown got off to the worst possible start when Dzarma Bata slipped through the middle of the defence to fire Svay Rieng into the lead after a mere 38 seconds. Nen Sothearoth then curled a free-kick against the cross-bar before Crown got their first sight of goal, with Shane Booysen’s effort ruled out for offside. The wet surface was not helping either side though Sos Suhana blasted just wide and for the home team, Samoeun Pidor won a race with Yok Ary but couldn’t finish. With the match simmering, it boiled over on 42 minutes when Booysen went through and fell under the challenge of keeper Aim Sovannarath. The referee booked the keeper and awarded a penalty only to change his mind a minute later after consulting with his assistant.
The second-half belonged to Crown, as they showed their intent from the word go. George Bisan headed inches wide and then blasted over the top when well-placed. Then on 72 minutes his touch from Odion Obadin’s long ball went to the feet of Keo Sokpheng and his sublime strike from 20 yards sailed into the top corner for a beautiful goal. Four minutes later and Keo Sokngon’s inch-perfect cross was met on the volley by Leng Makara at close range to give the visitors the lead. It was now all one-way traffic with Sokngon’s shot smothered and a Booysen effort missing the target by a whisker. In the fifth minute of time added on, Crown wrapped up the 3 points when Sokngon fed Santi Koroma who laid the ball into the path of Suhana and he blasted home from 16 yards. The match ended with the Crown players giving their thanks to the fantastic travelling support, who sang throughout the whole 90 minutes.

Sam Schweingruber, Crown’s head coach, gave his thoughts after the final whistle at Svay Rieng. “Our preparation for the match wasn’t ideal – the pitch was flooded the day before and our warm-up was not on the soggy pitch, so we went out there a bit uncertain, though that’s no excuse for going a goal down so early. Very disappointed with how we conceded – definitely a big issue as our game plan went out of the window after 40 seconds. In the 1st-half we failed to do enough to really get into the game. Our plan worked out with our substitutions, very happy with how the team showed character and spirit. In the 2nd-half we were the only team that wanted to win the game, but things didn’t go our way until we scored our first goal. I’m very happy for Sokpheng to score such a screamer, and it came from a situation we talked about at half-time. I was proud of the team for their fighting spirit and for not giving up, pushing for more and you could see when we scored what it meant to the team. And we were not satisfied, we wanted to win.
I must mention our fans, who were excellent. I heard them throughout, it was nice to have the drums and the support, it’s very encouraging to be far from home and to have people making so much noise and supporting you, it was a great experience. To have our supporters with us was a nice taste of a real professional football environment. I can’t speak highly enough of our fans.”

Wednesday 5 August 2015: Kashima Antlers 5 Phnom Penh Crown Academy 0 (Asia Champions Trophy)

The Crown Academy fell to a strong Kashima Antlers U-18 team who led by three goals at the break and went onto win 5-0 in this opening Asia Champions Trophy match at their 40,000-seater stadium. Playing in front of their home fans Kashima controlled the match right from the kick-off making Crown work hard for the ball. Midfielder Takanobu Nishimoto scored Kashima first ever goal in the competition on 11^th minutes after some confusion in the penalty box. Two minutes later Yuki Kakita slotted in the second goal. The two quick-fire goals put pressure on the Cambodians as they struggled to contained the running and quick passing play from Kashima.

The home team continued to dictate the match, organizing attacks and their effort prove fruitful when in the 23^rd minute, Hayato Ishizu’s effort founds the back of the net. Head Coah Bouy Dary decided to make changes with Chhuot Senteang brought in to replace Suon Noeut on 32 minutes.  The game was in Kashima’s favour 3-0 at the interval.

The Japanese kept their momentum, dominating possession of the ball and the 4th goal arrived on 59 minutes through the substitute striker Yuki Shikama that came in just a minute into the match to replace third goal scorer Hayato Ishizu. Juriya Yoshioka finished off any hope of a comeback for Crown in the 65th minute when he scored the fifth goal after a good combination of passes in the middle of the pitch.

After the loss Crown Head Coach, Bouy Dary feels that the boys were not focused and took their time a little bit too much to get used to the condition at the Stadium. “The players came out cold, and bit of fear maybe, which is disappointed as we discussed this before the game.” Dary was speaking to the media after the match. “We lost the game in the opening 20 minutes. Three errors resulted in three goals, clinical play from Kashima. After the first half water break we worked harder out of possession and were more confident with the ball. We created some chances especially Uma and Sovann, at this level you’ve got to take those chances.

Next match for PPCFC Academy is at home in RSN Stadium where they will play Frenz United B and Dary is hoping to turn the page as quickly as possible. “Overall I don’t think the players showed their real quality and potential, we will regroup and focus on next week home game against Frenz. I hope our home fans turn out to support us and make lots of noise” he added. This match will be on Friday, 14 August. [Report courtesy of http://www.act.frenzunited.com.my/.]

Crown arrested by Police

Sunday 2 August 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 1 National Police 1 (Metfone C-League).
Crown dropped points for only the second time this season this afternoon in the rain-delayed match-up between the 2nd and 3rd-placed teams in the Metfone C-League at the RSN Stadium. After yesterday’s first 25 minutes was ended by torrential rain, today’s main talking point came on 64 minutes when Police scored against the run of play. Noun Borey was coming back from an offside position when he obstructed Kok Boris, allowing Yuske Ishi a free run on goal to score. No-one in Crown colours could believe the match officials allowed the goal to stand. Five minutes later Crown were level when Bin Thierry’s inswinging free-kick was headed firmly past his own goalkeeper by a diving Busayo Adekunjo for an own goal. Va Sokthorn, Thierry and George Bisan went close but despite Crown’s pressure, the game ended all-square. In the 25 minutes of play at RSN Stadium yesterday, Va Sokthorn had a chance cleared off the line, Sary Matnorotin crashed a drive against the goal post and Police keeper Prak Phearun twice saved at close range from George Bisan and Leng Makara before the heavy rain made further play impossible.

Head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his after-match views on the 1-1 draw with National Police. “I told my team yesterday and today, there are no excuses. I knew the rain would affect the game, if you want to be champions, there are no excuses. We have to play better than this, we have to be at a better level. That the referee has a very poor game – there are no excuses.
Yesterday I thought we started shocking, were caught napping and in gaga-land. But from 5-25 minutes we played excellent football and did a lot of things we wanted to do and it worked for us. So I felt confident for today. For the 20 minutes before half-time we were in complete control, apart from giving away too many free-kicks. I thought the games was all ours, then the rain came again. I think we did a good job in trying to keep the ball. But I was not impressed with a lot of performances today. This was not a good game for us, and we have to blame ourselves.
The Police goal was a huge mistake by the referee. We made lots of mistakes, so did the referee – his mistake cost us a goal, our mistakes cost us goals too. It’s very disappointing that he didn’t see the situation – clearly an offside player interfering with play by obstructing a defender tracking back. A smart move by Borey, he managed to cheat a goal and the referee didn’t get it. We were lucky that our loss of discipline didn’t end up in defeat. The way we reacted to the goal is usually a recipe for disaster. So seeing how angry we were, in that sense, I’m glad we got a point.
We dominated for 90 minutes, both yesterday and again today. We weren’t clinical enough but we were the better team and the only team that wanted to win the game. My job now is to see this as a wake-up call, we need to evaluate our performance and to understand why we were at the level today that is not enough to be champions.”

8 wins on the trot

Wednesday 29 July 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 1 BBU 0 (Metfone C-League).
Phnom Penh Crown took their winning streak of results to eight successive Metfone C-League victories but at a cost when defender Ngoy Srin fell awkwardly in the closing moments of the game and suffered a serious fracture of his arm. The Crown players were visibly shaken by the freak accident as the full-time whistle went soon after. The only goal of the game at RSN Stadium came on 33 minutes when Shane Booysen hit a first-time effort inside the far post for goal number 10 this season, after fabulous approach play by Va Sokthorn. Crown went close on other occasions through George Bisan, Sary Matnorotin, Sokthorn and Leng Makara and led by a single goal at the break. Two floodlight failures early in the second-half, causing a thirty-one minute delay, broke the game’s rhythm though Crown created the most dangerous moments through Bisan, Keo Sokpheng and Booysen without extending their lead. Crown go back to the top of the MCL on 25 points from 9 games played.

Following the 1-nil success, head coach Sam Schweingruber offered up his thoughts. “After the last 4 or 5 games one of the major messages from me to the players was that we need to be more disciplined and better organised, to take our defending more seriously. In that way we regret when we don’t score more but I’m quite happy when we show discipline and work really hard. I don’t think they (BBU) had a real chance in the whole game. I thought we should’ve finished it off with a few more goals, we definitely had enough to score a second or a third in the second-half. It was very disappointing and sad that one of the players who stuck to the game plan and played a very disciplined and selfless game – Srin – should suffer such a serious injury. I hope he recovers quickly. The team was shocked, some were in tears, they felt really sad for their teammate, but that’s football, it’s happened to other teams too and we have to deal with it.
Our goal was brilliance by Sokthorn. His driving, quick passing and the final ball to Shane to score was very clinical. Some great work throughout the game from Sokthorn, maybe my man of the match. I was shocked how the officials didn’t understand what was happening with Shane – not protecting one of the best players in the league – finally after the fifth poor foul on him we saw a yellow card. He was also booked for nothing but great players have to deal with that kind of treatment. Finally, I want to apologise to the fans and to BBU for the floodlight failure. It’s not satisfying and we will sort it out.”

Update: The latest update on defender Ngoy Srin is that he underwent surgery on a double fracture of his left forearm in the early hours of this morning. The surgeon, Dr Vuthy, said the surgery to insert two pins to knit the bones together was a success and if everything goes to plan, he could be back on the training pitch in three months time. Srin is currently under observation at Dr Vuthy’s clinic and everyone at PPCFC sends him their best wishes for a complete recovery and thanks to all the fans who have sent their kind words of support and encouragement.

Crown hit five

PPCFC vs Western, back row, LtoR: Obadin (capt), Thierry, Bisan, Srin, Booysen, Ary. Front: Dani, Sokthorn, Suhana, Matnorotin, C Pisa - click to enlarge

Saturday 25 July 2015: Western 3 Phnom Penh Crown5 (Metfone C-League).
Crown took their consecutive wins to 7 with this victory on a very wet Western artificial surface. In a dominant first-half, Crown went three goals up by the break with two George Bisan headers, from crosses by Va Sokthorn and Shane Booysen, on 16 and 31 minutes. Booysen, who earlier struck the cross-bar, stepped up to convert a penalty for hand-ball on 41 minutes. Bin Thierry blasted a free-kick against the bar and other chances went begging, before Mohammed Tijani curled in a great shot on 66 minutes for the home team. With 9 minutes to go, Booysen took a pass from Keo Sokngon in his stride and crashed in his second goal, but Western came back again, through a Tijani header from close range on 87 minutes. In the last minute of normal time, Booysen completed his hat-trick, cracking home a Kouch Dani cross for Crown's fifth though there was still time for Mathew Osa to send a low drive inside the post to end the match at 5-3 in Crown's favour.
Full match report to follow.

Academy upset Boeungket

PPCFC Academy vs Bouengket, back row, LtoR: Thomas, Danny, Chanpolin, Sodavid, Chanchav, Titchhy, Samura. Front: Sovann, Chansopheak, Ponvuthy, Baraing - click to enlarge

Thursday 23 July 2015: Result: Phnom Penh Crown Academy 3 Boeungket 2 (Friendly).
A masterful performance by the Crown senior Academy saw them dominate for the majority of this friendly at RSN this morning. Against a strong Boeungket line-up, the Academy created many chances in both halves, but fell to a sucker punch six minutes before the break, as the visitors scored a breakaway goal. Crown continued to frustrate in front of goal until Umaru Samura threaded a pass through the defence and Ken Chansopheak drilled the ball inside the post on 56 minutes. Now in complete control, Ouk Sovann curled a free-kick against the bar and then blasted another shot against the foot of the post while the visiting goalkeeper saved his team on three occasions with point-blank stops. On 76 minutes, Boeungket completed a smash and grab raid to go further ahead but Crown continued to push forward and were rewarded for their pressure with two goals in the last five minutes. Umaru let fly from the edge of the box and his shot took a slight deflection into the roof of the net for the leveller. With a minute to go, In Sodavid crossed for Jason Thomas, who controlled perfectly and rolled the ball to Umaru, who rifled his shot into the net for a very deserved winning goal.

In second spot, still

PCFC starting XI, back row, LtoR: Thierry, Bisan, C Pisa, Makara, Ary, Boris (capt). Front: Dani, Boran, Suhana, Koroma, Booysen - click to enlarge

Thursday 23 July 2015: Kirivong 2 Phnom Penh Crown 5 (Metfone C-League).
Crown maintained their unbeaten record to remain in 2nd place but found Kirivong stubborn opponents. In fact Kirivong led 2-1 at the half-time interval with goals from Meng Sombor on 23 minutes and Ek Sopheap on 36 minutes. Sandwiched in between, George Bisan scored for Crown, knocking the ball in at the far post from a Bin Thierry free-kick on 33 minutes. Kirivong went a man down just before the break when Adebayo Ademola was sent off for a 2nd yellow card, tripping Bisan as he was in on goal. Eight minutes into the 2nd half, Kirivong lost another player, Meng Sombor for two yellow cards in quick succession for fouls on Leng Makara. As Crown pressed home their advantage, Makara and Santi Koroma hit the woodwork before the equaliser finally arrived on 72 minutes as Shane Booysen finished off a pass from Bisan. Two minutes later, Booysen was on the scoresheet again, blasting the ball home from close range after Bisan's header was cleared off the line. It was all one-way traffic and Bisan netted his second, heading in a Booysen cross and then completed his hat-trick in the 91st minute, running onto Yok Ary's long kick and walking the ball into the net. 5-2 to PPCFC and job done.
Match report to follow.

Backroom staff expanded at PPC

New goalkeeping coach Dave Maguire (center) with his 1st-team keepers and assistant Chansothea

Phnom Penh Crown have been busy expanding their backroom staff. Irish Goalkeeping coach Dave Maguire (24) has joined the club as the Head Goalkeeping Coach. Prior to moving into coaching David was a professional football player with Shrewsbury Town and represented the Republic of Ireland at U-17 national level. He also had spells in the Welsh League with Newtown, Welshpool Town and Cefn Druids. Dave has both a UEFA B-License and UEFA B-License Goalkeeping award and previous positions included the Lead Foundation Phase Goalkeeping Coach and, most recently the Head of Academy Goalkeeping at English Football League club Shrewsbury Town. Academy Technical Director, Tom Legg had this to say about the arrival of Dave: “I’m thrilled to welcome Dave to Phnom Penh Crown as the new Head Goalkeeping Coach. Dave will bring a vast amount of experience to the club, both from his time as a professional footballer and most recently his roles with English League side Shrewsbury Town. He is a vastly skilled and specialist Goalkeeping coach who will work with all age groups, from our Academy U-13 up to the club's First Team. Dave will also work closely with our current club Goalkeeping Coach Nguon Chansothea to support his professional development as we look to cement the long term success of PPCFC.”

In their Academy set-up, they have announced that Scottish coach Christopher Grant (28) has joined the club in the newly-created role of U-13 Technical Coordinator. A Scottish Football Association C-License Coach, Christopher has previously worked with several professional clubs in Scotland; Cowdenbeath, Livingston and Dunfermline Athletic. In 2009 he founded one of the biggest grassroots programs in Scotland; Elite Soccer Coaching Limited that currently delivers a coaching program to over 30,000 children annually. In 2013 Christopher moved to Cambodia and established Elite Soccer Asia, a leading grassroots football program with over 8,000 children enrolled annually. In his new role with PPCFC, Christopher will be responsible for implementing the long term development plan of the Academy U-13’s and mentoring our local U-13’s Head Coach. Academy Technical Director, Tom Legg spoke of Christopher's addition to the Academy technical team: “I’m delighted to welcome Christopher to our club's growing Academy program. His arrival is a clear sign of our commitment to cementing their position as the the leading football development program in Cambodia. Christopher has extensive experience in developing young players from his time working in professional clubs in Scotland and has demonstrated his ability to adapt and achieve by the successful launch of Elite Soccer Asia in Cambodia. A key part of Christopher's role with the club will also see him work closely with our local U-13 Head Coach, passing on valuable experience and expertise. He is uniquely positioned to combine his European coaching experience with knowledge of the local football scene to help create a culture of creativity within our Academy U-13 setup."

In the Academy U-15 set-up, Cambodian coach Soeu Siha (pictured) is the club's new Under-15 Head Coach. An AFC (Asian Football Confederation) C-Licence holder, Siha is an exciting young Cambodian football coach with six years professional playing experience. The 28-year-old started his professional career in 2004 when he joined the Navy team in the Cambodian League. In recent times he's been the captain of the Daniel FC futsal team. In 2010 he began his coaching career with Chamkar Nonong FC before moving into youth development, managing a junior side from the ISF (IndoChina Starfish Foundation). Siha continued his own personal development as a coach during this time, obtaining his AFC D-License, followed by his AFC C-License. His commitment to personal development did not go unnoticed and in 2014 he was appointed the Head Coach at ISF, responsible for managing all youth coaches working with teams in the organisation. Academy Technical Director, Tom Legg had this to say about the addition of Siha to the Academy technical team: “I’m pleased to welcome Siha to our clubs' Academy technical team. A key component to the long term success of this club is in its commitment to providing opportunity and development to local coaches. Siha has spent four years learning and developing at ISF and we are thankful to them for giving him the opportunity. I’m confident in Siha’s current abilities to support the long term development of the Academy U-15’s and we will support him as he continues his own journey as a coach."

More appointments are expected soon with a new Technical Coordinator for the U-15s and a new coach, likely to be female, for the U-13's arriving soon.

MCL Round 6

The Metfone C-League table after six rounds of the campaign. Click to enlarge.

Up and down for Academy teams

PPCFC vs Victory, back row, LtoR: Chanmony, Sovannaroth, N David, Chetra, Samnang, Panha. Front: Samel, Rina, Pisoth, Punlork, S David - click to enlarge

Sunday 19 July 2015: PPCFC Academy U-15s 5 Victory FC 4 (Friendly).
San David put the Academy ahead on 29 minutes with a beautiful lob but Victory came back strongly to score twice before half-time, including a penalty, at RSN this morning. Nop David levelled just after the break but Victory scored twice more, the first a penalty to go 2-4 ahead. Yeu Muslim, one of five senior Academy players to get match practice, tapped in twice on 71 and 77 minutes to draw level and Tong Chanmony curled in the winning goal in the final minute to give Crown the victory, 5-4.

The Academy U-13s played this morning and lost for the second time to Chraing Chamres U-15s, going down 7-2. Jonh Chhomren and and own goal were on the Crown scoresheet.

Crown recover to win handsomely

PPCFC vs CMAC, back row, LtoR: Obadin, S Pisa, Thierry, Bisan, Ary, Boris (capt). Front: Da, Suhana, Matnorotin, Dani, Booysen - clck to enlarge

Saturday 18 July 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 4 CMAC 1 (Metfone C-League)
It required a wake-up call opener for CMAC, a fine individual effort from Tony Janzen on 20 minutes, to kick-start PPCFC into life in a match they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at the close. Shane Booysen slotted in the equaliser from Bin Thierry's pass on 35 minutes to send the teams in level at the break. Just 9 minutes into the 2nd half a 16-minute floodlight failure caused an unscheduled break and it was the home side who took full control after they resumed. On 73 minutes, a trip on substitute Va Sokthorn gave Thierry the chance to display his free-kick mastery and he delivered the goods right on cue. It was all Crown as four minutes later, Sokthorn took a Sos Suhana pass in his stride, and unleashed a curling drive into the top corner for a stunning strike. With two minutes left on the clock, Booysen and Thourng Da combined to present George Bisan with a great opportunity from close range and he made no mistake for his 8th goal of the season.

Crown head coach Sam Schweingruber's post-match thoughts on the 4-1 win over CMAC. "I'm happy we got three points. I wasn't really concerned when we went 1-zero down, we had a sleepy start and a few players haven't played enough and we gave a goal away. But we got back into the game, got a goal and had a few other chances, though the referee didn't help us with not giving a clear trip, last man penalty. We had a pretty focused start to the 2nd half, we came out with purpose and then the lights went out. It was sort of symbolic. I wasn't nervous, I knew we had enough about us but it took longer than it should have. We came off strong and a deserved winner and I'm happy to get the job done and collect the points. Our fitness counted, the other team struggled with cramps and were not able to handle our fitness and speed. Congratulations to Sokthorn for his contribution. I think his movement is what we missed, so his introduction, and the third goal - which was pure brilliance, one-touch, turn, left foot curler into the top corner - worked a treat for us."

Academy sink Naga's boat

PPCFC line-up, back row, LtoR: Jason, Umaru, Samnang, Sodavid, Baraing, Chanvuthy. Front: Sovann, Suleiman, Muslim, Piphop, Noeut - click to enlarge

Friday 17 July 2015: PPCFC Academy 3 Nagaworld 1 (Friendly).
The senior Crown Academy triumphed over two strong Nagaworld line-ups in this friendly on the RSN Stadium pitch under floodlights tonight. In three periods of thirty minutes, all the goals came in the final third, with Baldwin Ngwa heading Naga in front on 67 minutes. Until that point it was pretty even between both teams. A minute later, Ouk Sovann's shot was saved and Santi Koroma followed up to knock in the equaliser. Finishing strongly, the Academy grabbed victory with two goals in the last three minutes. A glorious Suleiman Samura pass put in Umaru Samura and he scored at the second attempt. With the final kick of the match, Seut Baraing's free-kick was touched onto the bar and In Sodavid followed up to smack home the third and final nail in Naga's coffin.

MCL - round 5

MCL - round 5 - click to enlarge

4 wins in 4

PPCFC vs Army, back row, LtoR: Obadin, Thierry, Bisan, Makara, Ary, Boris (capt). Front: Sokthorn, Matnorotin, Suhana, Dani, Booysen

Wednesday 15 July 2015: Phnom Penh Crown 2 Army 0 (Metfone C-League).
Crown's South African wing wizard Shane Booysen will be wondering how he didn't kill off Army almost single-handedly at RSN Stadium this evening. He scored with the last kick of the first-half, completing the perfect finish to a perfect one-two move with Va Sokthorn that completely tore open the Army defence, but was upset at the final whistle that he didn't do better with other chances that came his way. In the fifth minute he struck the cross-bar and late in the half, sent clear by Kouch Dani, he rounded the goalkeeper for an easy tap-in, only to see Op Kamol recover to save on the goal-line. Twice in the second-half, keeper Yok Ary sent Booysen speeding clear of the Army defenders, but his first chance went skidding wide and the other was snuffed out by Army keeper Um Sereyroth, who was also at full stretch to keep another snap-shot by Booysen at bay and then saved a late effort with his feet at the near post.
Sereyroth was an obstacle Crown found hard to breakdown with Sary Matnorotin seeing the keeper pull off a great stop early on. However, the first goal arrived on 37 minutes as Matnorotin's corner found George Bisan unmarked ten yards out and he headed the ball into the bottom corner for the opener. Booysen's goal gave the home team a two-goal interval lead. After the break it was Sereyroth who was to deny Bin Thierry and Keo Sokngon, with other efforts blocked or wayward as Crown failed to add to their tally and had to settle for a 2-nil victory, their fourth win in succession.

In a positive mood after the final whistle, head coach Sam Schweingruber gave his view on the 2-0 success over Army."We have managed to create a lot of chances today. I think Shane in particular must feel disappointed not to have scored more - he did a lot of things very well, though some of it was the keeper and others, his lack of urgency and too many touches. 
We had a lot more control over the game today than the last few matches. We won the last game 6-1 but I feel more happy with the way we played today. We played the way we wanted to, we created enough chances, should've score more and will be kicking ourselves if goal difference will be the decider later on. I'm happy with the discipline we showed and whilst it wasn't 90 minutes of entertainment, after the last few games, I feel much better with our performance today - as I saw a team in most situations implement the game plan and follow instructions.
Sorry for the fans who were hoping for more entertainment and goals - I think we created a lot of chances - but at the end of the day we did the job and with disciplined performances like this, we can build upon and be ready for the next games, which will come very quickly."

Crown in ACT from August

Ly Heang, So Dany and moi

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy team will take part as one of 8 teams in this season's Asia Champions Trophy U-18 2015 competition, which will take place between 5 August to 19 November. The senior PPCFC Academy team have been drawn in Group B alongside Japan's Kashima Antlers, Vietnam's PVF (2014 runners-up) and Malaysia's Frenz United B, with matches both home & away. Crown's first match is against the most successful club team in Japan, and the current Japan youth champions, Kashima in their 40,000-capacity stadium in the first week of August. All fixture dates are pending final confirmation though PPCFC's home matches will be played at RSN Stadium and broadcast live on Bayon TV. This will be the third year of the ACT and eight of the best academies from Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Malaysia and Thailand will be taking part. Dato' Ihsan A Hamid, President of organisers Frenz United said: "The Asia Champions Trophy has become a regional brand. In just three years, the Asia Champions Trophy has quickly become one of the premier youth football tournaments which is now highly anticipated by the teams and football fans alike." PPCFC will meet Frenz United B, PVF and Kashima Antlers at RSN Stadium on dates to be confirmed soon. The top two teams from each group will go to the semi-finals. In Group A, Chonburi, AIFF India and two Malaysian teams, Frenz United A and Felda United will compete. Crown's representatives at the workshop and launch in Malaka, Malaysia were general secretary Ly Heang, Academy team manager So Dany and media officer Andy Brouwer.

Crown hit six

PPCFC vs AEU, back row, LtoR; Obadin, Bisan, Thierry, Makara, Ary, Boris. Front Row: Koroma, Sokthorn, Boran, Sokpheng, Matnorotin - click to enlarge

Sunday 12 July 2015: AEU 1 PPCFC 6 (Metfone C-League).
PPCFC ran out easy winners at RSN, despite being the away team at their own stadium! AEU held their nerve for the first-half and went close through Chan Hai and Sunday Ayodele before Crown put Kha Theara in the AEU goal, to the test through Long Boran and George Bisan twice, while Leng Makara miskicked in front of goal. AEU were reduced to 10-men on 25 minutes when Hou Sambo received a straight red card for a dangerous foot up on Bin Thierry. Goalless at the interval, that soon changed when within 51 seconds of the restart, Bin Thierry's pass sent Keo Sokpheng clear and he neatly rolled the ball inside the far post. Three minutes in and Sokpheng fed debutant Santi Koroma who burst between two defenders and lashed the ball into the top corner from an angle. Theara saved with his fingertips from Bisan but was helpless as a Sokpheng's corner wasn't cleared and Makara poked the ball past him from three yards out on 51 minutes.
Sokpheng had two more chances but failed to score before George Kelechi accepted a gift from the Crown defence to reduce the arrears on 54 minutes. Four minutes later, Sokpheng send Bisan clear and he opened his body up to send his angled drive inside the far post. Sary Matnorotin was out of luck with three good chances before Va Sokthorn sent a low drive inside the upright for number five on 77 minutes. Bisan headed wide from Matnorotin's cross but three minutes later the Nigerian hit-man had a simple tap-in after Matnorotin's sprint clear and low center. There was still time for Ngoy Srin to come on and fail to find the target with three opportunities as Crown coasted to a 6-1 victory though they will feel they should've done a lot better.
Head coach Sam Schweingruber's after-match views following PPCFC's 6-1 demolition of AEU. "Yes we won but I am quite disappointed. There was a lack of application, not enough intensity or movement, they were down to a red card early in the game and we still failed. We woke up at half-time and scored four goals in ten minutes or so - I don't know why we have good moments and good phases and then for too long are disappointing. It was not in the plan to be messing around at the back. They had a few chances so it was fair they scored, but we need to defend with more calm and class than we did. As for in front of goal, we were too selfish and that's not good enough."

Academy weekend results

Saturday 11 July 2015: PPCFC Academy 1 Nagaworld 2 (Friendly).
The first-half of this entertaining friendly at RSN this morning belonged to the Academy with Umaru Samura scoring the only goal to give PPCFC a half-time lead. On 16 minutes Suleiman Samura's pass down the middle was taken in his stride by Umaru who held off his defender and lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper's head. He had two other guilt-edged chances in the half but both times fired straight at the keeper. At the other end Keo Soksela saved at the feet of Baldwin Ngwa and then turned a shot around the post with a neat one-handed stop. 
The second-half didn't live up to the first period but Naga claimed victory with two goals. The first came on 73 minutes when Jason Thomas pushed Ngwa in the back and Teab Vathanak tucked away the penalty. Three minutes later, Soksela saved Ngwa's shot but Chin Chum was on hand to tap into an empty goal. Naga held onto gain the win.

Saturday 11 July 2015: PPCFC Academy U-13s 3 Chraing Chamres U-15s 8 (Friendly).
After two defeats against the PPCFC Academy U-13s, Chraing Chamres gained revenge with this emphatic victory at RSN. It rained goals in the first-half of this 9-a-side match, with the visitors leading 7-2 at the break. Jonh Chhomrean and a Thong Rathana free-kick netted for the home team, who were playing their fifth match since their formation. On the back of four victories for PPCFC, the second-half was less goal crazy though Crown will be disappointed not to have scored more, hitting the bar twice before Chhomrean scored his second.

Sunday 12 July 2015: PPCFC Academy U-15s 2 Pisnoka 2 (Friendly).
The Academy U-15s drew with Pisnoka on Sunday at the RSN training pitch, allowing the visitors to score with the last kick of the match. Tong Chanmony gave Crown the lead on 34 minutes when he sent a rasping half-volley into the top corner after Yet Chetra's cross was cleared to him. Pisnoka levelled just after half-time when a shot hit the bar and bounced down, judged behind the line by the referee. Chances went begging for the U-15s before Ken Chansopheak steered in Yeu Muslim's bye-line cross on 77 minutes, and then Pisnoka's late equaliser.