The Billikens are finally making their way home, and just in time, ironically, for Homecoming.
After five straight road matches against some of the top competition in the country, the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team will play in front of the home crowd at Robert R. Hermann Stadium for its next eight games, starting Sept. 26.
The Billikens (3-3-0) managed a 1-1 split on their most recent road trip to Ohio. SLU was one of three teams to participate in the University of Akron Tournament this past weekend, along with Florida International University and Akron.
The Bills, behind sophomore Mike Roach’s team-leading fifth goal, defeated FIU 1-0 to open the tournament on Sept. 18. The following day, the Billikens took on No. 1 Akron.
The Akron Zips showed why they are the top-ranked team in the nation and handed the Billikens a 4-0 loss.
“It was a bit of a humbling experience, but it is only going to make these guys more determined and want to work that much harder in training,” head coach Dan Donigan said.
The team looks to learn from the defeat so it can use that in its upcoming matches.
“The first half we came out strong, the team played well and worked hard. We learned that we need to do that for the full 90 minutes if we are going to beat a team of that level,” senior midfielder James Jamarillo said.
“We always look at the season as you are only as good as your last game . but now we have a great opportunity against a good Tulsa team that is coming to town,” Donigan said.
The University of Tulsa comes to SLU with a record of 3-3-1. Two of those losses came against top-10 teams. The Golden Hurricane entered the season ranked No. 12 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and won Conference USA last year.
The Billikens, either due to injury or trying to give new players experience, have used a different starting lineup for every game this season and are using their tough non-conference schedule to see what works. Tulsa is one of three remaining non-conference games for SLU before Atlantic 10 play starts.
“From a health standpoint we definitely have some guys banged up right now, but good teams make adjustments and that is why we scheduled these tough games . to figure out where we are at and what we need to tweak heading into conference” Donigan said.
With all of the injuries and the constant personnel changes, the team is ready to be back in St. Louis.
“We’re all really excited. This last trip showed how everyone was pretty worn out. Anytime you can play in front of your friends and family here in St. Louis it’s great,” Jamarillo said.
The Billikens own a 5-0-0 all-time record against Tulsa and hope to continue that streak when the Homecoming match starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26.
