It appears the United States captain is headed home. After proving himself in Europe, he'll return to American shores to once again ply his trade in Major League Soccer. It's been a nice run abroad, but all good things must come to an end.


If you're wondering why Carlos Bocanegra would leave France to return to MLS, don't worry. He's not. That previous paragraph was in reference to Landon Donovan, who is (barring a last second change) headed back to MLS after his loan stint with Everton ends on Monday.


If you're wondering now why I referred to Landon Donovan as the US captain, that question is probably better directed to the entirety of the football press in England. From the Liverpool Echo, the Express, through to the Guardian, English publications have referred to Donovan as "USA captain" repeatedly and without correction.


Because, you know, he's not the captain. At least not the regular one.


I'm wondering how hard we should come down on these reputable soccer news outlets. Donovan was the American captain in the Confederations Cup last year, conspicuously wearing the armband when the US had their most famous win to date, the 2-0 victory over number one ranked Spain. But the National Team has played many times since then, and in none (or none that I can remember) was Donovan captain. In every case where he was on the field, Carlos Bocanegra held that honor.


This isn't a forum to debate Bocanegra's captaincy; whether you believe him worthy or not, he is still the American skipper, contrary to what the British press believes. So why the confusion? Is it all down to the Confederations Cup?


Some of it is, probably. But Donovan, even before he arrived in Everton and proved himself worthy of it, was being labeled the "best American player"; perhaps his profile, larger than any other National Team player's, that has the English constantly misapplying the title.


Not that it's a reasonable excuse. The constant erring by The Guardian is most troubling to me, and doubly so because they misidentify Donovan as captain in the above linked story's headline. The English media is so often dismissive of anything American soccer that it's hard not to view their constant mention of Donovan as captain as anything but evidence that they just can't be bothered to get it right, and that it really doesn't matter if they do. Donovan is playing in England, is famous for his dressing down of David Beckham, and the "captain" label, which is technically accurate in the past tense, gives more weight to his actions.


I'm guessing all of the above referenced outlets don't realize their mistake. They can't be expected to have paid much attention to USMNT matches in CONCACAF, but the Americans did play in Europe just one week ago, and Landon Donovan was not the American captain.


If Donovan is named captain for South Africa, all of those references to him as such become retroactively accurate, I suppose. Until then, though, it's about time they correct their error.


It wouldn't be right if American writers got it wrong and called someone other than Wayne Rooney England captain, now would it?


I know in the grand scheme this little mistake doesn't mean much, but it is fairly maddening. Does anyone one else out there care?


Also, please get jokes before you comment.