This study evaluated changes in markers of acid-base balance that occurred during simulated soccer match play. Sixteen academy soccer players participated in a soccer match simulation that consisted of 90 minutes of soccer-specific exercise with skills throughout. Blood samples were obtained before exercise (preexercise), every 15 minutes during the simulation (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes), and 10 minutes into the half-time break (half time). Blood lactate concentrations were elevated throughout exercise (preexercise: 1.5 ± 0.12 mmol/L; 90 minutes: 6.1 ± 0.7 mmol/L, time effect: p < 0.01, partial-eta2 = 0.740). Relative to preexercise values, actual blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 28.02 ± 0.92 mmol/L; 90 minutes: 21.73 ± 0.65 mmol/L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta2 = 0.680), standard blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 25.97 ± 0.43 mmol/L; 90 minutes: 22.87 ± 0.31 mmol/L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta2 = 0.667), base excess (preexercise: 2.40 ± 0.54 mmol/L, 90 minutes: -1.57 ± 0.39 mmol/L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta2 = 0.664), and pH (preexercise: 7.44 ± 0.01 units; 90 minutes: 7.39 ± 0.01 units, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta2 = 0.542) were depressed throughout the exercise. Interestingly, blood bicarbonate, base excess, and pH recovered at half time (p > 0.05). This is the first study to provide data concerning the acid-base balance of familiarized soccer players during exercise that simulates soccer match play. These findings suggest that (a) blood pH is reduced during soccer-specific exercise and (b) although buffering capacity is reduced throughout exercise, it returns to normal during half time. Further research is warranted to develop interventions that can maintain acid-base balance throughout the full duration of a soccer match.
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