JAMAICAN forward Omar Cummings is looking ahead to a productive season at his new club North American Soccer League (NASL) Champions San Antonio Scorpions. Cummings said that his aim this year is to get back at the top of his game after being hampered by injuries.

The speedy striker netted his first goal for the club in a 1-3 home defeat in their season opener against Tampa Bay Rowdies playing on April 4.

Cummings came off the bench in the second half and latched on to a rebound off the cross bar after a shot from 25 yards out from midfielder Rafael Castillo.

“I was disappointed that we lost the game; I think we were the better team,” he said. “It was a very physical game, but they (Tampa Bay) made use of their chances. I feel good about scoring in the first game of the season. The plan of the coaching staff is to get me back match fit, so I will be adding more to the team as I get more games under my belt.”

Cummings has signed a one-year contract with the Texas-based club after parting ways with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Houston Dynamo.

The striker from Bodles, St Catherine explained: “I chose to come to San Antonio to be closer to my family in Houston. It is a move also to work on my game, to be at my best again.”

“So far things have been going well here, it is a club that has had so much success. We have a good team with about nine players who have played in the MLS so we have quality players with experience. We are looking to retain the championship this year.”

The Scorpions are relying on Cummings to add firepower upfront with his blistering pace and his good on and off the ball movements. He is also being looked upon as one of the leaders of the team with the wealth of experience he gathered from playing in the MLS.

His impressive run in the MLS started in 2007 when he was drafted by the Colorado Rapids from University of Cincinnati. He played at the Denver-based club until 2012, after which he was traded to Houston Dynamo where he played for two seasons.

He was once one of the most feared forwards in the MLS and tied for first place in assists with 12 in 2009. He ended as the Rapids’ MVP that season. He experienced his best season in the league the following year, racking up 14 goals and played a major part in the Rapids winning the MLS Cup Championship.

He also earned an MLS ALL Stars selection in 2011 when he played against Manchester United. Cummings won several MLS Player Of The Week, Player Of The Month and Goal of the Week awards through his scintillating plays.

The forward was courted by English Premier League team Aston Villa and impressed on trials, but reportedly didn’t tie down a contract due to work permit issues.

His promising career for his country, for whom he has scored seven goals from 35 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, has also been greatly affected by injuries, with long lay-offs due to recurring ankle and knee problems.

He said: “It was very frustrating, but I tried my best to just be patient and took my chances when I was okay to play. Sometimes I was playing with injuries. Not being able to play at your best especially after achieving such a high standard is never easy.”

The seemingly humble player said he is well on his way to full fitness and was looking forward to the next game against the Indiana-based team Indy Eleven which was scheduled for yesterday.

“We are definitely looking at bouncing back in this game, we have the goods to do that,” he said.