Time is the enemy of every college athlete.

The clock starts ticking once a player steps onto the field for the first time – four years until they’re gone.

Add injuries and transfers to the mix, and coaches are left to ride a volatile carousel of shoes to fill.

UCLA women’s soccer will kick off its season on Saturday with an exhibition game against Loyola Marymount at Wallis Annenberg Stadium. With the departure of twelve upperclassmen to the pros and transfer portal, the Bruins’ squad is relatively unseasoned – meaning starting spots are up for grabs.

“It’s all about giving players minutes and just seeing what they can do,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa. “So far, we’re seeing a lot of really good moments in training.”

The goalkeeper position in particular is one to watch early on. Following the graduation of Ryan Campbell, freshman Daphne Nakfoor and sophomores Layla Armas and Mariangela Medina are vying for the starting role.

Aside from defining the starting lineup, the squad hopes to hit the ground running on Saturday to set the tone for a successful season from the get-go.

“It’s kind of like a statement game for us,” said sophomore forward Jordan Geis. “We want to have an undefeated season.”

While the preseason has been far from seamless – with players rotating in and out due to injuries and newcomers arriving on a staggered schedule – the exhibition match offers a low-stakes opportunity to get organized. Regardless of the results this weekend, the match won’t count toward the Bruins’ official record.

And despite the uncertainty, the team has quickly bonded – with many newcomers building chemistry with their peers.

“We have a lot of new faces, but everyone has come together and is already meshing – surprisingly, very quickly – and energy has been super high,” Geis said.

This season’s roster is composed mostly of underclassmen, which is a stark change from the veteran-heavy group that led the squad last season.

The departure of big names, such as All-Big Ten selections Lilly Reale and Sofia Cook, allows more playing time for new players. This also paves the way for a more collaborative leadership style, with players of all ages working together to guide the team.

“I know there’s a lot of big adjustments, but I feel like the energy, and having a new team and everyone on the same playing field, could be really beneficial for us,” said redshirt senior forward Lexi Wright.

The contest also offers the chance for several recovering players to get back into the groove of the game post-injury. Wright – a 2023 All-Pac-12 third team member – will be stepping onto the turf for the first time in over a year after facing a season-ending injury during last year’s preseason.

“I am so excited and just grateful to be out there and be back,” Wright said. “It’s been such a long time coming.”

The Bruins will face the Lions on Saturday at 6 p.m. to kick off their 2025 season.