Commerce City, Colo. - When Omar Cummings started for the Jamaican National Team's 2-0 win over El Salvador on August 15, it was his first appearance for his country since February. His next appearance could come within a month of his last after the forward was called up for Jamaica's two upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against the United States.
"It's always a pleasure to go back to the National Team," Cummings told ColoradoRapids.com. "It being a Qualifier, even better. It being against the U.S., I think it's a very important game. It's an honor to represent my country."
Jamaica will host the U.S. on Friday, Sept 7 at the National Stadium in Kingston before the teams meet again on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The U.S. holds an undefeated 10-0-8 record in the series, however they have never defeated the Reggae Boyz in Jamaica during World Cup qualifying, tying all four games.
Last month, the U.S. ended a 75-year, 24-match winless streak in Mexico with a 1-0 victory at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Cummings is hoping he and his National Team can make their own history against this U.S. side.
"I think each generation is different," he said. "Obviously having watched Jamaica not beating the U.S. over the years, you feel almost a sense of responsibility as a player when given the opportunity to try and break that streak, to say 'we're the group that did that.' I think it's a challenge and a very important one, and I think every player on the national team is looking forward to it."
For Cummings, who has appeared in 29 games for his countyr, including four matches during the 2010 World Cup Qualifying cycle, the opportunity to face players he sees regularly in Major League Soccer is also one he relishes.
"I'm always looking forward to play against the U.S. Playing in this League, which has so many players that have represented the U.S. national team, it's bragging rights within the locker room and among friends," he quipped.
Cummings will miss the Rapids match against Portland on September 5 and rejoin his Colorado teammates ahead of the Sept. 16 game against the Galaxy in LA.
