The New York Red Bulls have traded midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy to the San Jose Earthquakes for 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.”