The influence of contextual factors on match-running performance in elite Montenegrin female soccer players

This retrospective observational study aimed to examine the influence of contextual factors on match-running performance (MRP) in elite female soccer while considering the effects of playing position. In total, 201 match observations, involving 71 players from six teams competing in the Montenegrin first division during the 2025/26 season were analysed. The MRP variables included total distance (TD), low- (LIR) (<4 m/s), moderate- (MIR) (4–5.5 m/s), and high-intensity (HIR) running (>5.5 m/s), high-intensity accelerations (HIA) (>3 m/s2) and decelerations (HID) (less than −3 m/s2). Players completed; (i) less TD (Cohen’s d (d) = 0.8; large effect size (ES), p < 0.01), LIR (d = 0.86; large ES, p < 0.01), and HID (0.35; small ES), p = 0.02) when competing against weaker opponents, (ii) less HID during lost matches compared with drawn matches (d = 0.45; small ES, p < 0.01). No interaction effects with the playing position were detected. The MRP during elite female soccer match-play was more strongly affected by opponent quality than by match outcome and match location. The findings suggest that preparation for stronger opponents may require greater emphasis on tactical organisation associated with increased total and low-intensity activities.