Performance Differences Between Home And Away Fixtures And Halves In NCAA DI Women’S Soccer: 3172 Board #41 June 2 8 00 AM - 9 30 AM

PURPOSE: It is well documented that there is an advantage when playing games at home. The influence of home advantage on performance measures are not fully understood. The current study compared performance variables between wins and losses, home and away fixtures and also first and second halves to explore potential performance differences. METHODS: 12 Division I female soccer players (19.5 ± 1.5 yrs, 166 ± 3.5 cm, 61.4 ± 4.8 kg) were included based on playing time criteria (≥60% total game time). Global positioning system (GPS) data was collected for conference games for one season (11 total games). Total distance (TD), distance covered (m.min-1), high speed distance (HSD: 15.5 - 19.9 km.h-1), and average player passes were recorded. Data was analyzed using Two-Way ANOVAs in Sigma Plot. RESULTS: There were no differences in any measured variable between games won and games lost. TD was significantly greater for the first half compared to the second half (4632.5 ± 368.8m vs 4045.2 ± 364.6m; P = 0.002). TD was also significantly greater for the first half compared to the second half for both home (H) and away (A) games (P < 0.05). M.min-1 was significantly greater for the first half compared to the second half (119.9 ± 5.8m vs 113.1 ± 5.5m; P = 0.015). M.min-1 was also significantly greater for the first half compared to the second half for H games (P = 0.037). HSD was significantly greater in the first half compared to the second half (585.16 ± 75.3m vs 499.9 ± 71.9m; P=0.016). There was no difference in HSD between home and away games. Average passes were significantly greater for the H compared to A games (11.7 ± 2.6 vs 9.3 ± 1.7; P = 0.015). They were also significantly greater for the first half compared to the second half (P = 0.049). Additionally, average passes were significantly greater for the first half for H compared to A games (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Game result had no effect on the measured variables. TD, m.min-1, and HSD were greater for the first half compared to the second half regardless of location. Average passes were greater for the first half compared to the second half and for H compared to A games. This information could influence coaches’ decision making.