Turfgrass researchers at Michigan State University played a key role in creating the playing surfaces for all 16 FIFA World Cup stadiums.

For the past 5 years, Trey Rogers III, a professor of turfgrass research at MSU, worked on the right mixture of grasses for this summer's tournament.

"Our job was to make the recipe and then to make sure that the sod farms took the recipe," Rogers said.

The process starts in East Lansing, where researchers develop a seed blend, then send it out to sod farms. The sod is then rolled up and shipped to the stadiums.

"We transport it all the way from Colorado to Atlanta," Rogers said.

Rogers settled on hybrid Bermuda grass for warm-weather stadiums. For cool weather venues, the blend is a mixture of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass.

"This grass isn't any different than what's in Spartan Stadium. It isn't any different than what's in Tiger's Stadium. It isn't any different than what's in your yard. It all boils down to the intensity of the management," Rogers said.

The work doesn't stop at the seed blend. Ryan Bearss, a research assistant and Ph.D. candidate at MSU, tests the durability of the turf using a robotic foot to collect data and make proper adjustments.

"Got a 3D molded size 10 US Foot. And it's going to fire at a force equivalent to a 160-175 pound athlete," Bearss said.

The device can simulate both acceleration and deceleration on the turf surface.

"There's just about 100 pitches worldwide they've tested this thing on, so they've been able to develop some pretty cool standards and baselines from it," Bearss said.

Bearss also measures how high soccer balls bounce off the surface, dropping them from 2 meters and using audio recordings to calculate the rebound height.

Rogers said the years of research have paid off, and now it's time to watch the results on the world stage.

"It's been installed correctly. Got some world-class field managers that are going to take care of it. So, let's play," Rogers said.

United Soccer League intends to start a promotion/relegation system along the international model, a contrast to Major League Soccer.

The USL announced the decision Wednesday but did not say when the system in which teams at the bottom of the standings will drop down a level and top teams will be promoted will start. USL said last month it plans to start a top tier league in 2027-28.

What is now USLs League Championship has been sanctioned as the second-tier division since 2017 and has 24 teams. The third-tier League One started play in 2019. USL League Two is a semipro level that includes 144 teams in 19 regional divisions and four conferences.

MLS launched with 10 teams in 1996, has gradually expanded to 30 and charged a $500 million expansion fee for its newest team, San Diego, which started play last month. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said the investment by his leagues owners in teams and facilities make relegation unfeasible for them.

Detroit City FC's Maxi Rodriguez has been named the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup's player of the Round for the third round.

Rodriguez had two goals in Le Rouge's 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, the team's first win over an MLS tea.

TheCup.us Player of the Round is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a panel of North American Soccer reporters and backers who pledge $10 or more to TheCup.us' Patreon team.

Rodriguez scored the first goal to tie the match against The Crew, and then scored the second late in the game on a peanlty kick.

I think Im pretty comfortable taking PKs, no matter the situation, so I kind of jog, got the ball and went through my routine. Goalie almost saved it, but luckily it snuck in the post, barely went over the line Amazing run to our supporters section, team, behind me in such a pivotal game for the club. It was a dream come true," Rodriguez said.

Le Rouge will take on fellow USL Championship team Louisville City FC in the round of 32 match at Keyworth Stadium on May 10. Tickets are on sale now for the match.

WMYD-TV20 Detroit will air several Detroit City FC matches this season as part of a new partnership, announced this week. The partnership is DCFC's first-ever television deal.

Beginning with the home opener at Keyworth Stadium on March 21, TV20 Detroit will 12 Detroit City FC men's and women's home matches over the air and in high definition.

Le Rouge is in its first professional season with the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) and its fifth at the historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.

Soccer is a growing sport and a favorite of so many families in the communities we serve, WXYZ and WMYD Vice President & General Manager Mike Murri said. Were proud to partner with the Detroit City Football Club to bring this exciting sport to Detroit area viewers. The Detroit City Football Club has a passionate following in metro Detroit and were happy to help grow this great sport through expanded television coverage.

Its the perfect next step for our first full professional season, and TV20 Detroit is a great partner that is also focused on serving everyone in our community, DCFC co-owner Alex Wright added. Be it at Keyworth Stadium or in the comforts of home, we want DCFC to be the most accessible pro sports team in town. It feels great to know that Detroit City FC broadcasts will be available to anyone in our area with a TV set.

Le Rouge kicks off the NISA spring schedule in California in February before the home opener on March 21. The entire spring broadcast schedule on TV20 Detroit is below.

 Saturday March 21 vs. Oakland Roots at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11 vs. Chattanooga FC at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30 vs. California United at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13 vs. Sumptown (Charlotte) at 7:30 p.m.

There will also be a season kickoff party on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Detroit City Fieldhouse to unveil 2020 jerseys and a new title sponsor for the season. The free event is open to all ages from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will have a testimonial match between two City greats.

DCFC also announced the first-ever women's team which will compete in United Women's Soccer this season.