Red Bulls send 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."

Updated July 30, 2012