Omar Cummings Traded to Houston Dynamo

In their second trade of the young offseason, the Houston Dynamo have acquired striker Omar Cummings in a trade with the Colorado Rapids. In return, Colorado will receive Nathan Sturgis and an undisclosed amount of allocation money.

In the trade, the Dynamo addressed their most glaring need in the forward position.

Omar Cummings ultimately fills a void left by Calen Carr's injury. But what's more than that, Cummings is a proven scorer - something Carr was working towards. Cummings has the ability to stretch defenses with his speed, and he's been considered a proven finisher. With Will Bruin growing into one of the league's most dangerous young strikers, Cummings is the perfect partner for the Dancing Bear. His speed and ability to get behind the defense will compliment the more powerful target striker Bruin.

In 2009, Cummings contributed 8 goals and 12 assists. He built on that in the Rapids' championship year with 14 goals in 2010. In 2011, he was named to the MLS All-Star Team that faced Manchester United in Red Bull Arena.

Colorado is coming off a tough year that saw them lose 19 games and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Coach Oscar Pareja is changing the dynamic of the club, letting Conor Casey and Cummings go, while bringing in Edson Buddle.

The change in scenery could be just what Cummings needs to build towards replicating his success in 2009/10. In the last two seasons, Cummings has played in 54 games, but has only scored 9 goals.

Cummings is headed to a Houston team that will have all returning starters back with the club in 2013 after an MLS Cup appearance. While there are a few additional roster adjustments needed, the Dynamo are one of the most complete clubs in MLS. Cummings heads to a team led by one of MLS' best coaches in Dominic Kinnear, a solid defense and midfield, and he'll have a good chance of competing for another championship. In addition, with the Dynamo midfield intact for 2013, Cummings will benefit from the best service in the league in Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia.

Currently, Will Bruin and Omar Cummings make up the only two forwards signed and healthy on the 2013 Dynamo roster. Cam Weaver and Macoumba Kandji are still unsigned, but negotiations are ongoing. I'd expect Weaver back in 2013, Kandji is yet to be seen. Brian Ching is still undecided and the Dynamo will patiently wait for him to make his decision.

Enjoy some highlights from Cummings 2010 season courtesy of the Colorado Rapids.

What's on your mind Dynamo fans? Is this the move you were expecting? Is Bruin/Cummings instantly one of the most dangerous striker duos in MLS?

Give us your thoughts below.