Big Ten contention is in full swing – but the Bruins have yet to face a longtime conference foe.

Following a 2-1 win in its Big Ten debut against Oregon, UCLA women’s soccer (6-2-1, 1-0 Big Ten) will face Indiana (5-1-1, 0-1) and Purdue (5-2-1, 1-0) this weekend. After a conference debut against a previous – and familiar – Pac-12 adversary, Thursday’s matchup against the Hoosiers will be the Bruins’ first against an original Big Ten opponent.

“I’m hoping that this game is kind of a launching point for some good, positive momentum,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa. “A really big start for us, and hopefully, what is a solid conference season. A lot of possibilities that we could build on going into next weekend.”

The Bruins’ Big Ten debut featured the return of graduate student midfielder Sunshine Fontes. Last season’s end spelled uncertainty for Fontes, with both her eligibility and injury coming into question.

“I knew I was cleared to play around 20 minutes, so I was pretty nervous,” Fontes said after facing Oregon. “I’m just really happy to be back.”

The Wahiawa, Hawaii, local scored the equalizer on a penalty kick against the Ducks, which was closely followed by freshman forward Jordan Geis’ upper left shot that sealed the Bruins’ victory.

A theme for UCLA’s roster this year has been transition – particularly after undergoing significant roster overhaul. Goals by both a veteran and newcomer in the team’s Big Ten debut only display the surface of UCLA’s depth.

Amid a variety of experience levels, the Bruins continue to rely on their seasoned members to steer the ship.

“We have players coming back in the World Cup, players coming back from injuries,” Fontes said. “I’m looking forward to just seeing everyone back and getting the group back together.”

Junior forward America Frias, freshman goalkeeper Mariangela Medina and sophomore midfielder Val Vargas spent the last month competing for Team Mexico in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The trio is expected to make a return to Westwood following the tournament, which ends Sept. 22.

Injury woes do persist for the Bruins, with a few key players out of the team’s lineup. Senior defender Ayo Oke, often a starter, has been out with a foot injury for the past few games. Her return is still unknown.

Alongside conference adjustments, the Bruins have been on the road since early September and will return to Westwood after their next two matches, which will end a six-game away stretch.

“Travel is hard, very tiring, but that doesn’t stop us. There’s never any excuses,” Geis said. “And every day we’re going to leave everything we have on the field.”

UCLA will conclude its away streak this week as it takes on Indiana on Thursday at 4 p.m. and Purdue on Sunday at 10 a.m.