One small moment can sully an otherwise stellar outing.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, an injury to their star goalkeeper did just that.

No. 10 UCLA women’s soccer (9-3-1, 6-1 Big Ten) defeated Indiana (4-8-1, 1-6 Big Ten) 5-0 at Wallis Annenberg Stadium on Thursday for its fifth-straight Big Ten win.

Despite the strong performance, the Bruins suffered a major loss early in the second half when goalkeeper Daphne Nakfoor came sliding in to stop a breakaway. The sophomore won the ball, but she collided with an Indiana attacker and injured her knee. She was carted off the field to a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Carlsbad, California, local started 10 of UCLA’s 13 games this season, maintaining an 82% save percentage to concede less than one goal per game. Junior goalkeeper Mariangela Medina replaced the reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week in net, marking her first appearance since returning from representing Mexico at the U20 Women’s World Cup.

“Daphne has been one of the biggest pieces when it comes to our shutouts,” said sophomore forward Leena Powell. “She is an absolute beast, and she works … every single day, and you see it in the games.”

Earlier in the match, the Bruins had found their shooting boots, unleashing six shots between the 14th and 20th minutes and forcing three diving saves from Indiana goalkeeper Dani Jacobson. The Hoosiers had no answer for the onslaught, only managing their first shot of the match in the 26th minute.

The deadlock broke in the 32nd minute. Sophomore midfielder Grace Shank crossed a corner kick into the six-yard box, with the ball falling kindly at junior defender Asa Yamazaki’s feet. The Tokyo, Japan, local controlled the ball and calmly slotted it into the corner of the net for her first goal since transferring to UCLA from Arizona Western this season.

Despite taking fewer shots in the second half, UCLA turned up the efficiency to remain dominant.

Just minutes after the break, junior forward Sammy Sanchez dribbled past a Hoosier defender and unleashed a left-footed cross that arced over the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm and right to the head of Powell, who headed the ball home.

“Honestly, this was the first header goal of my entire career, and I have been playing soccer since I was four years old,” Powell said. “Sammy could not have made it easier; I felt like I barely jumped, and she just landed it right on my head.”

The Bruins’ top goal scorer, forward Kara Croone, joined the party in the 75th minute. A mistake by Indiana’s backline gave up the ball in front of the goal, allowing the junior to calmly slot it into the bottom-left corner.

Just two minutes later, a through ball from senior forward Oruha Hayashi played Croone in from behind, who rounded the goalkeeper and placed the ball into the open net for her sixth goal of the season.

Finally, freshman defender Anna Wilson dribbled around three defenders before slotting her first career goal into the back of the net in the 83rd minute, capping off the Bruins’ widest margin of victory since 2023, when UCLA earned a 6-0 victory over Oregon State.

When asked about what aspect of today’s performance he would like to bring to the Bruins’ next game against Illinois on Sunday, coach Gof Boyoko highlighted the team’s finishing.

“Let’s keep our efficiency in front of (the) goal,” said Boyoko. “Because as soon as we see the goal, if we score five, I think we are going to be in a good spot.”

UCLA’s ability to apply near-constant offensive pressure came as a result of its relentless press, forcing countless turnovers from Indiana in its own half and allowing the home team to control the game’s tempo.

UCLA’s midfield was at the center of controlling the pace, with Fiona McGeough earning her first career start and slotting into a deep-lying playmaker role. Despite the big occasion, the freshman looked composed on the ball and managed to dribble her way out of a couple of tight situations.

This worked in tandem with UCLA’s suffocating defense, which allowed just four shots from the Hoosiers. The Bruins now have five consecutive shutouts under their belt, their longest streak since 2024.

“It is always (junior defender) Paloma (Daubert) leading our defensive line,” Yamazaki said. “She has been a great captain.”

UCLA will have an opportunity to extend its win streak to six games this Sunday against Illinois.