ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Fresno Pacific men's soccer alum Renato Bustamante has signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Bustamante will play the 2016 season on loan to the Rowdies 2 of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).
 
"I'm thankful and excited for this opportunity," said Bustamante. "It was my goal to get here and now my goal is to remain at this level for many years to come. I want to thank Profe Ramirez for giving me an opportunity to prove myself at the Division II level."
 
Bustamante, the PacWest Player of the Year in 2015, led Fresno Pacific with 31 points on nine goals and 13 assists this season. The Sunbirds captured the conference title for the second time in three years after an 11-1-1 mark in league action. FPU moved on to the NCAA Division II Championship opening round for the first time in program history before finishing the year at 14-3-2 overall.
 
The Lima, Peru native was named a NCAA Division II All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the Conference Commissioners Association following the year. He ranks 10th in career assists (23) and 13th in career points (75) in program history.
 
"FPU has been extremely important in my development as a soccer player and my growth as a man," said Bustamante. "The environment set by the department of athletics has prepared me for the professional level on and off the field. I'm excited for this upcoming journey."
 
The Rowdies 2 are in their first year of existence and will compete in the South Region's Sunshine Conference of the NPSL. Bustamante will make his professional debut on Sunday, May 8 against Miami United SC.