Andrea Neil (born October 26, 1971, in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a pioneer of women's soccer in Canada. Neil retired from the game after representing Canada more than any other Canadian player in history. With a career spanning 18 years she went on to play for her country 132 times, and was the first Canadian to participate in four FIFA Women's World Cups as a player (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), including Canada's best ever finish at a FIFA World Cup, when the Canadian women's national team finished fourth in 2003. Early career Neil started her athletic career with badminton at the junior national level. After almost losing her leg to gangrene due to a motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic, Neil decided to focus her career on soccer. Neil attended the University of British Columbia where she earned a degree in human kinetics. Canada and UBC In 1991, at 19, she made her international debut against Jamaica in Haiti. In 1993 she was named UBC's female athlete of the year and the winner of the Marilyn Pomfret Award. In 1994 Neil returned to the #1 ranked Thunderbirds under coach Dick Mosher. UBC outscored its opposition at a six to one ratio through the Conference season while Neil played a key role in UBC's winning of the CIAU National Championship. "She was not only an outstanding player but one of the finest leaders that I have experienced in the entire athletic program." Dick Mosher, coach of men's and women's soccer at UBC for more than 20 years. In 2001, Neil was named Canadian Player of the Year. From 2001 to 2006 Neil played for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and set records for games played, minutes played and assists. While captain of the team she led them to two W-League championships in 2004 and 2006. Neil made her 100th appearance against Costa Rica on April 21, 2004, becoming the second player to do so in Canadian history. On April 21, 2007, prior to the World Cup in China, she represented Canada at the World All Star Game. Neil played her last game for Canada on September 15, 2007, against Ghana during the FIFA Women's World Cup in China. Neil retired with the most appearances in Canadian soccer history and fifth overall for goals. Retirement On May 28, 2008, the Vancouver Whitecaps retired the #5 jersey in honour of her career. "Andrea Neil