## 4 Discussion  
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition and on-field, in-game measures of physical performance. We investigated how total-body and lower-extremities body composition related to the distance covered in different speed zones within a female university soccer team. The average total distance covered per game in our study (7901.2 \(\pm\) 1577.9 m) was slightly higher than a previous study (7481.96 \(\pm\) 958.57 m) [10]. Unlike [PERSON] et al., who included in-game performance measures for players competing for over 55 min, our study focused on players competing for the full 90 min [10]. This difference in total playing time may explain why our players covered more distance on average. Our findings suggest that players covered more total distance and more distance at moderate-intensity running in the first half compared to the second half. The decline in total distance during the second half is consistent with previous reports on professional soccer players [4; 6; 7; 8; 10]. Additionally, the reduction in moderate-speed running (12.1-15.5 km/h) during the second half aligns with findings from previous research on female college soccer players [10; 36]. The decline in on-field, in-game physical performance during the second half may be attributed to fatigue [5; 14; 15]. While our results, along with previous studies, noted a decrease in distance covered, no study has directly investigated the cause of this decline [5; 14; 15]. Players with higher fat mass may use energy less efficiently during horizontal movements like running, contributing to reduced performance throughout the game [42; 43]. The ability to cover large distances at high intensity is crucial for elite soccer players [44]. Recent reports suggest that high-intensity running and sprinting occur during critical moments, such as winning the ball, maintaining possession, contributing to goals, or preventing opponents from scoring [11; 45; 46]. Body composition may influence performance in these decisive situations and throughout the game. Soccer players with higher total-body mass and fat mass tend to perform worse on sprint and aerobic capacity tests compared to those with lower body mass and fat [17; 42; 43]. Players with lower fat mass typically have faster sprint times, higher aerobic capacity, and improved agility and strength [47], which is consistent with our findings that lower fat mass is associated with greater distances covered at moderate and high intensities. Although physical tests don't directly translate to in-game situations, slower sprint times and lower aerobic capacity may lead to less high-intensity running over a 90-min game [48]. Our study demonstrates significant relationships between body composition and on-field, in-game physical performance. The body composition values observed in this soccer team are slightly higher than those reported for female university players in the NCAA [31; 49]. Players with lower total-body fat (both in kg and %) and lower fat in their lower extremities (kg) covered more distance at moderate- and high-intensity running during both the second half and the entire game. In contrast, players with higher body fat and more fat in their lower extremities covered less distance at these intensities. Coaches might aim to increase the distance players cover at high intensity, as this has been shown to enhance individual player performance. For example, top-class female soccer players on national teams perform 28% more high-intensity running (>18 km/h) compared tohigh-level players in domestic leagues [4]. Similar patterns have been observed in male professional players, suggesting that high-intensity running can distinguish players across different competition levels [2]. Maximizing high-intensity running and maintaining consistent performance throughout both halves of the game could give teams a competitive edge. Therefore, coaches might focus on increasing players' high-intensity running distances to boost team success.