External load of soccer players in the moments before and after a goal

Introduction: Research has explored factors linked to scoring goals in soccer, but little is known about teams' external load when a goal occurs. Objective: This study aimed to analyze differences in mechanical activity before and after a goal, depending on whether it was scored or conceded. Methodology: The research focused on a Spanish youth semi-professional soccer team. The study examined player movement dynamics before (Pre5 and Pre10) and after (Post5 and Post10) goals were scored, using the minute of the match as a reference point. Data were collected on various performance metrics including total distance (DC), DC at high-speeds, player load (PL), accelerations (Acc2-3 & Acc>3) and decelerations (Dec2-3 & Dec>3). Results: Regardless of the goal was conceded of scored, DC, PL, Acc2-3, and Dec>3 decreased at Post10 compared to Post10 (p< 0.05), along with lower values of Acc2-3 and Dec>3 at Post5 vs. Pre5 (p< 0.029). When scoring, DC and Dec2-3 decreased in Post5 vs. Pre5 (p< 0.049), while when conceding, DC was lower at Post10 vs. Pre10 (p= 0.017). Discussion: The external load of soccer players decreases when goal happens during the game. The number of studies comparing players' running responses after goals is scarce, highlighting the need for more research to analyze players' running activity once the goal occurs. Conclusions: Once a team scores, it can be inferred that they have achieved their aim and that they may adopt a more conservative strategy, reducing their efforts.