COMMERCE CITY, Colo.—Omar Cummings scored a goal late in the 65th minute and Christian Gomez added a goal on a penalty kick to lead the Colorado Rapids to a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake in a Major League Soccer match.
The Rapids (4-4-0) had lost three of their previous four games but improved to 3-1 at home. With the victory and the three points, Colorado broke a tie with FC Dallas to move into sole possession of first-place in the Western Conference.
In a defensive match that featured few scoring chances, Cummings was able to provide the winning goal during a Rapids rush midway through the second half.
Midfielder Colin Clark began the scoring play by sending a cross into the box from the left wing. Cummings, charging down the center of the field, was able to strike the ball in full stride, deflecting it into the net off the outstretched leg of Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
It was the team-leading third goal of the season for Cummings, who also has scored goals in consecutive games.
Gomez, the 2006 MLS Most Valuable Player acquired in an offseason trade with DC United, scored his penalty kick goal in the 83rd minute. Real Salt Lake has lost all four of its road matches and fell to 2-4-2 overall.
