CINCINNATI, OH --- FC Cincinnati forward Omar Cummings will retire from professional soccer and will transition into a full-time role with the FCC front office working with the youth academy and community initiatives. Cummings will play in his final match Monday night against Valencia CF and will be recognized in a ceremony at halftime.
“Omar was a member of our inaugural roster and lent his veteran leadership and professionalism to our club,” said FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding. “He reached the highest level in this country, playing in the MLS and had a fantastic playing career. During his two years with FCC, he has been a strong voice in the locker room and an ambassador for the sport and our club. We are ecstatic that he will continue to be a role model for our youth soccer players and help with our efforts to grow the game throughout our community.”
“We want to thank Omar for his contributions to the team and congratulate him on an outstanding career for club and country,” said Head Coach Alan Koch. “We feel fortunate that we will be able to keep him with FCC in his new role.”
“I’d like to thank my family, especially my wife Viola, my teammates, coaches, medical staff, front office and the ownership group for their support throughout my career. To be able to come back and play for my adopted hometown is a dream come true and I’ve enjoyed a special two years with FCC. I look forward to my new role engaging our youth and helping the club to continue to grow soccer in our region.”
In two seasons, Cummings played in 23 games for the Orange and Blue. Last season he scored four goals, including one game-winner against Toronto FC, to go along with five assists to finish tied for third on the team with 13 points.
He was the 31st selection overall by Colorado and was the 2007 Rookie of the Year with the Rapids. Cummings played from 2007-12, leading the club to a 2010 MLS championship as well being named September’s MLS Player of the Month.
Cummings began his collegiate career at Cincinnati State and also played at the University of Cincinnati, where he will work on finishing his criminal justice degree while working with the front office.
