The Spanish second division isn't exactly where U.S. national team captain Carlos Bocanegra might have wanted to end up, but it is certainly better than the Scottish fourth division.

The Liga Adelante's Racing Santander signed the 33-year-old defender on a one-year loan from Rangers, which landed in bankruptcy and was demoted to the Scottish Third Division for the 2012-13 season.

Rangers also completed the transfer of Maurice Edu to Stoke City. Its third American, Alejandro Bedoya, left earlier in the month to Swedish club Helsingborg.

"It is a strange feeling because I really enjoy it here and I am club captain," Bocanegra said. "But this is a deal that benefits both parties. In saying that, I am excited about playing in Spain and the fact that I get the chance to come back."

Racing finished last in La Liga last season and was relegated for the first time since spending the 2001-02 season in the second flight.