Jeff Paterson She’s done almost everything for the Vancouver Whitecaps organization and as a reflection of that, long-time player, captain, and playing assistant coach Andrea Neil will have her #5 jersey retired by the soccer club. A ceremony will follow Saturday night’s women’s Whitecaps match against the Seattle Sounders.
Neil, who hung up her cleats from competitive soccer in December 2007, is the all-time leader in games played for both the Caps (69) and Canada’s women’s national side (132). The Vancouver native is also the Whitecaps’ all-time leader in assists (22) and minutes played (6,066), and is tied for third in goals (24) and game-winning goals (8).
Neil has been a terrific ambassador for not only the women’s game but soccer in general in Vancouver. She is an inspiration to the next generation of girl soccer players.
It is a fitting tribute for a true great of the game.
Saturday’s contest starts at 4pm at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium.
