Rapids trade Omar Cummings to Dynamo for allocation money, Nathan Sturgis

The Colorado Rapids traded forward Omar Cummings to the Houston Dynamo Sunday, acquiring midfielder Nathan Sturgis and receiving allocation money in exchange, according to the team's official website.

"Adding allocation money gives us flexibility as we look to bring in players for 2013, and Nathan has a lot of experience and can play several positions in midfield and defense," said Technical Director Paul Bravo. "It is difficult to part with Omar, who has been such an important player for us since his arrival in 2007. His achievements with the Rapids will always be remembered by our organization and our fans, and we wish him the very best with the Dynamo."

Cummings was drafted by the Rapids in 2007, and made 148 appearances and 114 starts for Colorado. The forward scored 39 goals and added 27 assists in six seasons. He will be remembered by Rapids fans for his 14-goal 2010 season, which placed him fourth in the MLS Golden Boot standings. In 2012, Cummings played in 28 games, making 23 starts and scoring six goals.

After learning of the trade, Cummings expressed his gratitude to the Rapids organization, fans and players:

"I have really enjoyed my years in Colorado, and I want to thank the organization, the fans, and especially all of my teammates from the Rapids," said Cummings. "We had an enjoyable locker room that made coming in to practice always fun, and I learned a lot from many different guys in my years here. It was great to be able to win a championship here, and Colorado will always be in my heart."

Sturgis is a seven-year MLS veteran, having played for Houston, Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, and has made 80 career appearances and 66 starts. Sturgis is primarily a defensive midfielder, but can be deployed in a number of midfield roles.