Between them, the Rapids’ star striking duo of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings has been in the starting lineup together this season just twice. It’s alarmingly little shared field time for the tag team that tore up MLS in 2010 with a league-best 27 goals.

Injuries had kept them apart. First, Casey’s torn Achilles and a hamstring pull, then Cummings’ sprained ankle.

Now, they’re nearing full strength, at the same time.

But the challenge has been reintegrating Cummings on the Rapids’ top line, said coach Oscar Pareja.

“We’ve got to be patient with Omar,” Pareja said. “The only way to get his rhythm back is to get him in games. You have to be patient.”

Cummings’ four goals rank second on the team, but he has scored just once since April. His tally Saturday against Seattle, after subbing in the 67th minute, cut the Sounders’ lead to 2-1. And he nearly scored the equalizer a few minutes later, but Cummings was ruled offside.

Still, it showed the explosive flair Rapids fans have seen from Cummings in the past.

“We have to put this behind us and try to be competitive in practice and play hard,” Cummings said. “Keep moving on, keep growing as a team.”

Pareja said the Rapids need a boost up top: “I think the team needs those guys who score goals to step up. But I know I need to be patient, because they have been so long out away from the team.”

He added: “We have to be more effective in the last third. We control the games. But sometimes, the possession needs to be more positive and more goal-oriented.”

Nick Groke, The Denver Post