How Long is a High School Soccer Game?
How long is a high school soccer game? Generally, a high school soccer game is 80 minutes plus stoppage time. Each match is two 40-minute halves.
This can equate to approximately two hours of real time when you consider halftime and potential stoppage time.
For example, If a soccer game starts at 4pm, it will end about 6pm.
A soccer game at the high school level is a little less time than a college and professional match.
Side note: Your high school may differ depending on the state and league rules. On most occasions, each match is 80 or 90 minutes.
In this article, we’ll delve into more details about a high school soccer match.
About Stoppage Time
Stoppage time or otherwise known as extra time is additional time added to each half of a soccer match.
A referee will determine when to stop his or her clock. Reasons for a referee to stop their clock can include:
- Injuries
- Substitutions
- Preparing for a corner kick
- Time it takes to give out yellow or red cards
- Any other significant delays such as excessive celebrations or the ball going out of bounds
Sometimes a referee will add some stoppage time to each half to extend the game out a little longer than 80 minutes. For example, the first half could be 40+3 min. (stoppage time) and second half 40+2 min. (stoppage time) so it would equal to a 85 minute game.
What About Tie Games?
If the high school game is tied at the end of regulation, a few things could happen depending on the rules of the league and when it happens. During the regular season, a game that ends in a tie will end in what is called a draw (tie).
During the playoffs, games that end in a tie usually have an overtime consisting of two 10-minutes periods. Depending on the state and league, the first goal wins the match.
If the two teams are still tied at the end of the two overtime periods then the game will progress into penalty kicks (PKs). The winner of the high school match will be determined by PKs.
The reason why playoffs and regular season are different is because playoff games usually need a winner to advance.
Playing for Your High School
Playing with your school’s name on the front of your jersey with family and friends watching you can be very exciting.
From August to November, high school soccer provides student-athletes a chance to play the game they love and showcase their talents.
On some occasions, soccer players are competing to get scouted by colleges.
With all this said, it is an honor to play for one’s school and memories that many will reflect on.
It is best to work as hard as you can, enjoy the time with your teammates, be open to making new friendships and have fun (because it goes by so fast)!
Hey 👋 I’m Beau. A proud Dad, former coach and soccer enthusiast. I continue to love the game of soccer today the same way I did when I was 7. I created soccernovo.com to share what I know about the game as well as provide a platform so other parents can learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. 
