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Look what team has shown up and crashed the party for title contenders. None other than Chivas USA.

Last year's Western Conference regular season champions struggled through most of this year with injuries and the departure of Brad Guzan, but suddenly things have started to come together for the Goats.

Ladies and gentleman, there is a new MLS Cup title favorite, and it isn't a team we are used to seeing wear the label. That team is the Columbus Crew.

Yes, the Houston Dynamo is playing very well and comes into this season as the two-time defending champion, but no team has been more consistent and more impressive than the Crew, which made an emphatic case to be taken seriously with its 4-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution on Saturday.

Ladies and gentleman, there is a new MLS Cup title favorite, and it isn't a team we are used to seeing wear the label. That team is the Columbus Crew.

Yes, the Houston Dynamo is playing very well and comes into this season as the two-time defending champion, but no team has been more consistent and more impressive than the Crew, which made an emphatic case to be taken seriously with its 4-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution on Saturday.

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As we head into September the shift in MLS has gone from building teams to preparing for the stretch drive and securing playoff positions. The New York Red Bulls and D.

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The SBI MLS Power Rankings are back.

Okay, so maybe you didn't miss the SBI MLS Power Rankings, but at least a few of you noticed their absence in recent weeks.

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Somebody stop Real Salt Lake. No, really.

RSL won another home game last week, beating Toronto FC on a late Robbie Findley goal last week to move four points clear of the pack in the Western Conference.

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What happens to the SBI MLS Power Rankings when all five MLS matches end in ties? Can there be much of a change? Can there really be any change?

I say there can be. Let's face it, not every tie is the same.

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The Revs just keep on rolling.

New England maintained its grip on the top spot in the SBI MLS Power Rankings, something not many teams have been able to do this year. Beating Los Angeles cemented their place while also causing the Galaxy to slide further after three matches without a win.