San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - San Jose Earthquakes' Mehdi Ballouchy will be sidelined for the rest of the season after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament on Saturday.

Ballouchy, 29, was injured during a 3-3 draw against FC Dallas, and will have surgery later this week. He joined San Jose in a trade with Red Bull New York in July, and the midfielder started four of his six appearances.

"The news was very disappointing," said Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop. "Mehdi was just settling in with our squad and was playing very well for us. He'll be missed, but we know that he'll be back stronger than ever next season."

San Jose leads the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield table with three games remaining. The Earthquakes travel to the Colorado Rapids on Saturday for their next match.

The Sports Network