The relationship between pressure and athletes' performance has been a longstanding topic of debate in the literature. Soccer players frequently encounter numerous stressful moments during games. Many studies have focused on examining the effects of stress on performance, often centering on high-pressure situations such as penalty kicks and shootouts. For example, Jordet et al. (2007) analyzed international soccer tournaments and found that players often underperform in high-pressure scenarios due to heightened anxiety. This anxiety disrupts motor coordination and decision-making, leading to execution errors.

In this study, unlike previous research, we monitor players' performance under varying levels of stress throughout entire games. Each player wore a tracker during matches, which recorded metrics such as heart rate, running distance, recovery data, and workload management. We used heart rate as a proxy for mental pressure and team scores as a measure of team performance. After employing econometric regression analyses, our findings indicate that pressure significantly impacts the performance of college soccer players. Players who experienced elevated heart rates, indicative of higher mental pressure, often exhibited decreased physical output and decision-making efficiency during critical moments. Conversely, players who maintained a steadier heart rate performed more consistently, suggesting a potential link between emotional regulation and athletic success.

These results underline the importance of mental resilience and stress management in competitive sports. Incorporating psychological training and stress-reduction strategies into athletes' routines may help optimize performance, particularly during high-stakes scenarios. Future research could explore interventions to mitigate stress and further examine the interplay between physiological and psychological factors in athletic performance.