After five consecutive clean-sheet victories, the streak is finally over.

No. 3 UCLA women’s soccer (5-1) lost 1-0 to Pepperdine (3-2-1) on Sunday in Malibu, California. UCLA’s first goal conceded came from Pepperdine defender Peyton Leonard who headed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net in the dying embers of the game.

Just before the 70th minute, a foul from senior defender Lilly Reale gave the Waves a threatening free kick deep into the Bruins’ defensive third. Waves’ defender/forward – and former Bruin – Megan Edelman delivered on the opportunity.

“These losses are always tough when you feel like we were good enough to win and we created enough chances to score some goals but didn’t score, and then absolutely hate it when we give up goals on a set piece,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa.

The UCLA defense continued its streak of not conceding a goal in open play and, for the most part, held its own – a theme of the season so far. A big factor behind the defenses’ proficiency is the experience and familiarity possessed by the line.

The defensive core of Reale, senior Quincy McMahon, graduate student Maya Evans and senior Jayden Perry has 13 years of combined collegiate experience. Reale – last week’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week – has been a backline stalwart at center ever since she stepped foot in Westwood, garnering First Team All-American honors in 2023 and the Honda Sport Award in 2022.

“They’ve been excellent and credit to them, they’re taking on a pretty big load right now,” Aozasa said. “I have nothing but respect for our back line, especially, but for all of our players. They’re doing everything they can to try to win these games.

On the other side of the field, the offense has struggled this season – only scoring three goals over the last four games. The lack of production could be due to injuries and early absences.

Just six games in and the Bruins have lost senior defender Ayo Oke and senior forward Lexi Wright to injuries. Additionally, graduate student midfielder Meg Boade, who scored the Bruins’ only goal against BYU earlier this week, had to exit the Pepperdine game early with an undisclosed leg injury. The absence of veteran players has meant more freshmen on the field.

“It’s obviously a difficult challenge learning how to adjust and play in college,” Reale said. “It’s just going to take a little bit of time for them to step up and feel comfortable in those games.”

The Bruins will continue their 2024 season with a five-game road trip beginning Thursday against Tennessee.