Cummings - File

CARSON, California (CMC)

Colorado Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni has showered praises on Jamaican forward Omar Cummings following his pivotal performance in Sunday's 2-1 win over Chivas USA in US Major League Soccer (MLS).

Cummings, who came on as a second-half substitute, assisted on the first goal and won a late penalty that clinched the victory at The Home Depot Centre for visiting Rapids that kept their play-off hopes alive.

"Omar is one of the most underrated forwards in the league," Mastroeni said.

The US international declared that Cummings was the key in keeping the Rapids' season alive.

"He has skill, pace and craftiness and today he made it tough for the defence," Mastroeni said at Sunday's post-match press conference.

58th-minute substitute

Needing a victory in order to keep their hopes for a post-season appearance alive, the Rapids grabbed a 67th-minute lead when Cummings set up Colin Clark's headed goal.

Coming on as a 58th-minute substitute, Cummings sped down the right flank and set himself up for a cross after skilfully evading an opposing defender's sliding tackle.

His perfect left-footed cross found Clark, who headed into the net away from goalkeeper Dan Kennedy's left.

Jonathan Bornstein responded five minutes later for the home team Chivas to lock the score at 1-1.

Colorado got the game winner in the 85th minute.

Cummings slipped a ball through the legs of fellow Jamaican Shavar Thomas inside the Chivas penalty area before being tripped by Thomas to set up the second goal.

Referee Baldomero Toledo pointed to the spot and Conor Casey scored with a low shot to Kennedy's right.

Coach Gary Smith also gave kudos to the 26-year-old Cummings, who made his international debut for Jamaica's Reggae Boyz this past summer.

"As all good subs should, Omar came on and made an immediate difference. He set up both goals; it was incredible," Smith added.

The Rapids must beat rivals Real Salt Lake at home on Saturday in order to earn a spot in the play-offs.