This post was updated Oct. 16 at 12:57 a.m.

The “Sunday scaries” of a pair of away matches can prove difficult for teams.

But after a season filled with away matches like that of this past weekend, the Bruins were prepared to round out their last road trip of the season.

UCLA women’s soccer (12-2-2, 7-0-1 Big Ten) completed its final away game of the regular season scoring three goals against Illinois (6-7-2, 2-5-1) on Sunday afternoon in Demirjian Park.

“I thought today was a much better performance,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa. “Offensively we produced some really nice goals, so I was pretty pleased with our overall performance – especially on a Sunday.”

After a foul on Illinois defender Mya Archibald, senior defender Jayden Perry was selected to take UCLA’s penalty kick, securing the Bruins’ first lead of the match. Following suit in the 39th minute, senior defender Quincy McMahon attempted a shot but was blocked.

“It (scoring early) really helps with our buildup,” Perry said. “A big thing for us is just not taking our foot off the pedal and keep trying to score goals – and that goal started that.”

In the first half itself, the Bruins outshot the Fighting Illini by nine shots.

McMahon opened the second half with another attempt, and this time it paid off for the Bruins. She found the back of the net in the 51st minute to clinch UCLA’s second goal of the affair and extend its lead to 2-0.

Despite serving on the Bruins’ backline, McMahon has operated multiple roles on the pitch. She now boasts three goals on the season and has created and converted multiple chances for her team.

Just one minute after, as UCLA was on course to record its 10th shutout of the season, Illinois defender Angie Galo struck back to narrow the gap to 2-1.

Graduate student goalkeeper Ryan Campbell currently leads the NCAA with 11 shutouts. Although Illinois managed to score, Campbell made one save during the match, and Aozasa acknowledged Illinois’ goal as well-executed, giving credit to their offensive effort.

“Although we gave up a goal, I’m gonna credit that to them but we still limited Illinois to any dangerous plays,” Aozasa said.

Junior midfielder Sofia Cook prevented the scoreline from remaining tight, netting the ball off an assist by graduate midfielder Meg Boade to give UCLA a score of 3-1.

“I checked and I didn’t know she was going to give me the ball,” Cook said. “I just got it. I couldn’t really see, so I just shot it with my left eye. It was a really good goal.”

With the goal in the bag, Cook launched into a sprint – arms high in celebration – and raced into her teammates’ arms to celebrate the Bruins’ third goal.

“I thought Sof (Sofia) Cook was excellent, she stood out to me today,” Aozasa said.

UCLA amassed six points during its trip to Illinois, as it returned for its final few affairs in 2024.

“We were really focused on getting those six,” Cook said.