September is crunch time in MLS, a month that separates contenders from pretenders and champs from chumps. So it should come as no surprise that there are multiple MVP candidates in the running for the Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month award.

How it works: At the end of each month, the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff selects the five final nominees. These are then put to a vote among you, the fans. Voting for the September POTM will be open until 11:59 pm PT, Wednesday, October 1. The winner will be revealed on the morning of Thursday, October 2.

Steve Clark, Columbus Crew. If you're a team pushing for the playoffs, it helps to have the hot hand in goal. The new-look Crew (undefeated 3-0-1 in September) have a real shot at coming out of the East because their starting 'keeper has been pulling off saves like this. Clark has been the real deal -- his three September shutouts have him tied for third most in MLS this season (8).

Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy. This is how you close out a career in style. The Galaxy are back in the running for the Supporters' Shield after an undefeated September (3-0-2 record) fueled in no small part by the legendary Donovan (3 goals, 6 assists), who somehow continues to reach new heights: a career high for assists (18) and tying the all-time career record for helpers.

Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders. The Galaxy, however, are still chasing the Sounders, who arguably have the best player in the Western hemisphere. In fact, when Oba Martins scores (five times in September), the Sounders simply don't lose (11-0-0 in 2014). And he tacked on an assist for good measure in September, taking him to double digits for the season and only adding more shine to those MVP credentials.

Lee Nguyen, New England Revolution. The calls are growing louder for Nguyen to join the USMNT. And after a month like Nguyen had in September -- three goals and two assists, often of the spectacular variety -- he's become a bona fide MLS star. And those numbers came across four Revs victories because as Lee Nguyen goes, so go the Revolution.

Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers. The playoffs would be a mirage for the Timbers if not for Valeri. Portland picked up points in three of their four September matches after their Argentine playmaker lit up the opposition for a league-high 21 chances created. He wound up with five assists and two goals for the month and as long as Valeri is this productive, the Timbers have hope.

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Check out the previous winners of the Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month