Identifying Key Performance Parameters For Successful Match Outcome In A Division II Men's Soccer Team

Abstract

There are several parameters that could be considered key in determining match outcome in soccer. However, there is a lack of understanding how these parameters, observed in a match, can lead to an overall successful season. PURPOSE: to identify the key parameters for all matches, in a Division II men's soccer team, that led up to a successful season. METHODS: This study used video analysis as a means of identifying key parameters and analyzing their extent of importance in a match. Seventeen match videos were observed. Parameters analyzed included shots on goal, total number of shots attempted, successful number of passes, shots blocked by the team's goalkeeper, goal efficiency, and successful passing percentage. Parameters were recorded using the Dartfish EasyTag application. A discriminant analysis was used to identify key parameters in a successful match and season. RESULTS: Significant difference were found for successful passing percentage, p=0.007, 68.3% (±5.5%) higher in winning matches compared to 58.5% (±6.0%) in losing matches. No significant differences were observed for any of the other dependent variables which included: goal efficiency (p=0.084), shots on goal (p=0.151), total shots attempted (p=0.542), shots blocked by goalkeeper (p=0.08), and number of total successful passes (p=0.286). Winning matches had an average of 52.3% (±11.4%) for goal efficiency, 7.62 (±2.57) for shots on goal, 14.69 (±3.82) for total shots attempted, 8.62 (±4.09) for shots blocked by goalkeeper, 297.08 (±65.77) for total successful passes. In contrast, losing matches had an average of 40.2% (±11.4) for goal efficiency, 5.25 (±3.30) for shots on goal, 13.00 (±7.35) for total shots attempted, 4.50 (±2.52) for shots blocked by goalkeeper, and 255.50 (±65.40) for total successful passes. CONCLUSION: Successful passing percentage is a statistically significant predictor of match outcome; however further research should examine more matches of every level and tier to determine any differences and attributions to match outcome.