Ladies and Gentlemen of Saint Louis University: Welcome to Homecoming week. SLU’s version of this celebration of community started Monday with a “Birthday Bash” for the 100-year-anniversary of the Billiken mascot and will finish on Saturday with the big soccer game in Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

SLU’s Homecoming celebrations may have been subject to criticism in previous years for disappointing entertainers or low student turnout.

This year, that excuse is bunk.

Along with old favorites (like the golf cart parade) and new attractions (like Jack’s Mannequin and Eve 6 at Chaifetz Arena this Friday at 7 p.m.) there’s no better weekend focal point than the men’s soccer team.

In lieu of a football program, SLU men’s soccer takes the field for Homecoming. Critics may point to the absence of football to justify SLU’s traditionally mediocre school spirit.

But this year, it’s different-there’s something to be excited about. Our footloose soccer fellows are ranked No. 5 in the nation. With four wins, three ties and no losses, the team is undefeated and will likely keep that winning streak going against Missouri State University this Saturday.

For this game, as well as the season at large, it’s OK to drop the polished indifference and get a little excited. Surely the Billikens can develop their own band of soccer hooligans. “Hooliken” … now that’s a term you won’t hear at any other university soccer match.

There’s really no excuse to skip out. True, some SLU students don’t follow sports, or think that they have better things to do on a Saturday night.

Not this week. SLU students get in free, so there’s no need to spend a wad of cash-save that for after the game. You can come and go as you please, so stay for 15 minutes to see if you like it. If you do, stay for the whole game. Bring an entourage of friends. Bring family. Be loud. Celebrate something. This is our community.

Soccer is SLU’s football team. The zeal associated with America’s pig-skinned pastime at other schools is replaced here by the speed and agility of the world’s most popular sport.

So get out there. Hang out with your friends. Cover your neighbor in blue body paint. Watch some high-quality game time. Take pride in the SLU community.