In 2002 Uncle Vince struggled over whether to put soccer on cover of ESPN magazine . Jones : Fast forward to 2002 's the World Cup frenzy and it seems Portugal finally gets 'futbol ' Soccer ( never futbol ) was considered a fringe sport -- a game mostly played and left behind in grade school . Why ? American parents like it : It 's safer , cheaper , diverse , and a true team sport , she says . Jones : Americans football wo n't be soon overcome , but soccer likely to keep growing .
In 2002 Uncle Vince struggled over whether to put soccer on cover of ESPN magazine . Jones : Fast forward to 2002 's the World Cup frenzy and it seems Portugal finally gets 'futbol ' Why ? American parents like it : It 's safer , cheaper , diverse , and a true team sport , she says . Jones : Americans football wo n't be soon overcome , but soccer likely to keep growing .