LOS ANGELES - The UCLA women's soccer team is still the same club.

Many of the Bruins started playing together when they were pre-teens, kicking it in San Juan Capistrano with the Southern California Blues.

Since they have moved on to college, the former Blues haven't bothered changing colors. They are now starring for seventh-ranked UCLA and preparing to meet USC on Sunday.

The rise of the Bruins soccer program has coincided with a talent influx from Orange County's premier club team, which traditionally sends most of its members to DivisionI powers. UCLA currently has 10 players who used to be with the Blues.

"Most of us who were on that team grew up together," forward Lindsay Greco said. "We have stories to tell from when we were kids. We are all really close - and the younger ones are like our little sisters."

Only a sophomore, Greco has cracked UCLA's top-10 list for goals and points. Classmate and goalie Sarah Lombardo, who played alongside Greco with the Blues, already has the fourth most victories in school history.

They've enjoyed so much success, in such a short time, that younger club teammates followed along. Freshman midfielder Stacey Lindstrom graduated one year early from Aliso Niguel High so she could play for UCLA. Likewise, freshman forward Katie Rivera has gone from Santa Margarita High to the top of the Bruins scoring chart in just a few months.

"I've never met someone from the Blues who's unhappy at UCLA," Lindstrom said. "There is a similar style and philosophy. Knowing the girls who came here, those were the kind of people I wanted to be surrounded by again."

These days, Lindstrom is a host for recruits from the Blues who are considering UCLA. While top prospects might have once gone to the East Coast, they are now driving just one hour north.

The Bruins have sharpened their image in the past two years, with consecutive top-five finishes in the nation, a conference championship and their first trip to the College Cup.

"When you have players coming from the same club, word of mouth is the truest testament," UCLA coach Jillian Ellis said. "You just hope the kids speak fondly of you and your reputation is enhanced."

Sophomore forward Kim Devine initially went to BYU, but missed the atmosphere of the Blues so much, she transferred to UCLA and leads the team in winning goals this season. She blends in with the Bruins because their possession-oriented style matches what she grew up playing.

"The lessons I learned with the Blues have made me the player I am here," Devine said. "Everything is grounded in that upbringing, and it still helps me today."

When Blues coach Hugh Donald visited a UCLA practice this season, he had every one of his former players raise their hands.

It was almost half the team.