Cummings craves more goals for club, country
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Having snatched a brace for his club Colorado Rapids of the US MLS in a 3-0 rout of Chivas USA on Saturday, Omar Cummings’ taste for goals could easily be compared to the mythical vampire’s lust for blood.
It’s the way his eyes light up in a devious glare that sends this chilling message. What’s clear is that the Jamaican striker is hungry for more goals.
“It was good (scoring) because the club needed some momentum going into the latter part of the season… we have been lacking in goals and opportunities lately, so getting some goals now is good for me and the club,” said the 28-year-old, who is a part of the Reggae Boyz squad for today’s friendly international against Peru at Lockhart Stadium here.
Already he has scored eight goals this season — equalling the number he finished with last season. But he wants more this season — many more. “Hopefully I can get many more goals which could help my team get into the conference play-offs,” said Cummings, whose team is fourth in the Western Conference and sixth overall in the increasingly respected MLS.
In getting his rare double, Cummings struck in the 68th and 81st minutes, following on a 52nd minute item from Connor Casey to hand the Western Conference franchise their second straight victory on home turf in the last eight days.
But the goal-thirsty frontman, who drives fear in the hearts of the toughest defenders with his maddening and frenzied attacking style, wants to turn his craving to the international stage.
“I am always looking to score goals, and if not , I am happy providing for someone else to score… I think every forward would be disappointed not scoring in every game he plays because that’s your job and that’s why you are out there, I can only hope in the next game I can get some more goals,” he told the Observer in an tone laced with desire.
“Hopefully we can get some goals and get a win, and if not a win, the next best thing which is a draw,” Cummings added.
The former Rivoli United man is looking forward with a huge appetite to represent his country again, having not done so in the last two games against Trinidad and Tobago in August and against Costa Rica on Sunday.
He did not participate in the Boyz’s victories because “I cannot leave the country (USA)” at this time.
“Right now I cannot travel outside the country because of some immigration issues, because right now I pursuing my Green Card here and I cannot travel while that is being processed,” he explained shortly after arriving at the team’s hotel here yesterday.
“Getting called up for a game and cannot play is disappointing, but I am glad that this game is in the States this time, and hopefully I will get to play with the national team again,” Cummings said.
No one dares to question this man’s patriotism to his country on a whole and the national football team.
“All I can do is my best when called to the national team, and I am always going to play my part in helping the team win matches and championships…,” Cummings noted.
Cummings, capped 15 times with three goals since making his debut for Jamaica in 2008, wants young Jamaican players to aim high, and he reminded them that they are numbered among the most naturally gifted players in the world.
“I think Jamaica has a lot of talent in the football sense, a tremendous amount, and people are amazed that we are not achieving more,” he ended.