This post was updated Oct. 1 at 12:31 a.m.

Slow and steady wins the race.

The phrase comes from an old fable, illustrating that success does not belong to those who come out swinging but often to those who bide their time and execute with patience.

That is the Bruins’ specialty – wearing down their opponents and settling into their style of play as the match progresses.

And Thursday night was no different, as No. 4 UCLA women’s soccer (7-2-1, 3-0-1 Big Ten) blanked Rutgers (3-2-4, 1-2-1) 1-0 at Wallis Annenberg Stadium. The Bruins controlled the second half, utilizing technical precision highlighted by nutmegs, jukes and timed passes, forcing the Scarlet Knights to chase play.

The lone score of the evening came off a free kick in the 54th minute, following a foul that sent junior forward Oruha Hayashi to the ground. Junior midfielder Val Vargas initiated the sequence on the set piece, tapping a short pass to redshirt senior midfielder Emma Egizii, who returned it with a quick touch. Vargas then drove a low shot into the left corner of the net to break the deadlock.

“We try to give them the tools. We give them the suggestions,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa. “Ultimately, though, we trust our players to make the right choice. Val was kind of the orchestrator behind that, so credit to her, and credit to Emma for executing.”

The goal marked Vargas’ second of the season after scoring last week against Michigan. The win also extended the Bruins’ now-seven-game unbeaten streak.

[Related: UCLA women’s soccer wins against Michigan, ties with Michigan State in road games]

Although Rutgers entered the match as a strong defensive unit – having allowed just four goals all season – UCLA consistently broke through, generating 14 shots and six corner kicks to the Scarlet Knights’ three and two, respectively.

“They are a very athletic team, so we just kept the ball and moved the ball,” Hayashi said. “I’m very happy.”

The Bruins showcased their defensive prowess as well, holding Rutgers to zero shots on goal to secure their seventh shutout of the season. In fact, every UCLA victory thus far has come by way of a clean sheet.

Now that the squad is halfway through a season filled with two-game weeks and Big Ten travel, fatigue is all but inevitable. However, the Bruins only turned up the heat in the second half, with unrelenting pressure in the final third.

“One of my coaches told me, ‘If your body isn’t working, your heart is,’ which means your passion has to go out in the field,” Vargas said. “That really helps me through and us through the game.”

That passion came to life in the 77th minute, sparking an attacking blaze featuring a trio of attempts in less than a minute. Freshman forward Payten Cooper fired another shot shortly after, but the effort was ultimately called back for offside.

Junior midfielder Milla Shafie, who started on defense, exited in the first half with an apparent leg injury. Shafie became the second defender sidelined this season, after freshman defender Meila Brewer sustained a leg injury in last week’s contest against Michigan. But Aozasa confirmed that both injuries are short-term and added that the Bruins’ continual success despite injuries speaks to the depth of the roster.

With UCLA classes back in session, the home stands were packed with students, as a season-high crowd of 1,146 filled the stadium. The student organization, The Den, was in attendance as well, leading chants and holding up handmade red cards in response to fouls on the field.

“When a lot more people come, it’s definitely a lot better,” Vargas said. “When you feel that energy, you could notice it in the field.”

The week is not over for the Bruins either – they have another home match against Maryland on Sunday.

That matchup will serve as another test of their readiness for the postseason, offering a chance to prove they can sustain their form against another Big Ten opponent on short rest.

“Championships are won on Sunday,” Aozasa said. “Everyone can play well on Thursday, and it’s a bigger question of who can play well on Sunday.”