Red Bulls trade Ballouchy to San Jose for picks

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Red Bulls have traded midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy to the San Jose Earthquakes and an international spot and a conditional draft pick next season.

Ballouchy had appeared in 16 games with the Red Bulls this season, making 10 starts while scoring a goal and adding two assists. He played in 51 games with New York after being acquired from Colorado in September 2010.

"It was a difficult decision to let Mehdi go," Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler said. "However, trading him provides us additional roster and financial flexibility moving forward."

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