Perhaps Emil Forsberg was feeling diplomatic when asked about his feelings toward NYCFC, the arch rival of the New York Red Bulls that will be traveling to Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday in a crucial late-season clash.

"I want to beat them," Forsberg gritted through steel reserve in a one-on-one conversation with amNewYork.

NYCFC is the first of three remaining matches separating the Red Bulls from a potential 16th-straight MLS playoff berth, which is anything but secure at this late stage of the season. The Red Bulls sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the Chicago Fire, who have a game in hand, for ninth place and the final postseason spot.

It's getting awfully late, and for a team that made the MLS Cup Final last season, missing the playoffs would be

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