O’Neil was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1973. Eventually residing in Scarborough, he began his stellar collegiate soccer career at Durham in 1994. As a member of the DC Men’s Soccer Team, O’Neil made an immediate impact in the OCAA, leading Durham to provincial prominence and recognition in each of his three years. In total he led his teams to 3 Provincial Championship Medals (Bronze – 1994, Bronze – 1995 and Silver in 1996). He was named an OCAA League All-Star twice, a Championship All-Star and was named Durham College Men’s Soccer MVP twice (1994 & 1995). He was recognized nationally in 1995 by being awarded a CCAA All-Canadian Award. After graduating from Business Administration, O’Neil capped off a standout college career by becoming the first DC athlete to be drafted professionally. O’Neil was chosen 1st overall by the Toronto Shooting Stars in the NPSL Entry Draft in 1997. He would later sign and play with the Edmonton Drillers of the NPSL.