Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has acquired a 2017 fourth round MLS SuperDraft pick from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for defender Richard Eckersley.

“Moving someone that has been with the club for an extended period is always a difficult decision. However with the acquisitions we made during the off-season particularly in defence; along the cap relief, this move made sense,” said Toronto General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We’d like to thank Richard for his contributions to the club over the past three seasons and wish him all the best in New York.”

Eckersley, 24, made 92 combined appearances across MLS league play, Amway Canadian Championship, and CONCACAF Champions League in three seasons for Toronto FC. He originally joined the club on loan from English side Burnley F.C. in April 2011. Eckersley signed a permanent contract with Toronto FC at the conclusion of his loan in January 2012.