Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley will take the captain's armband during the USA's CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign, which kicks off next week.

Bradley replaces Clint Dempsey, who was stripped of the role following his altercation with a referee in Seattle Sounders' US Open Cup loss to Portland Timbers a fortnight ago.

Dempsey reacted to a decision in the match by grabbing the referee's notebook and tearing it into pieces. He received a two year tournament ban for his actions.

"For the time being, we thought it's the best thing to give the captaincy to Michael Bradley and let Clint focus on what he's all about," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the US Soccer Federation's official website.

"Clint is about scoring goals. We need Clint Dempsey badly with the national team. We need him in a good spirit. What happened was a mistake, but it was the first red card in his career and a lot of people went at him.

"I think the best thing for everyone right now is to let him concentrate really on playing and doing what he does best."