FRESNO, Calif. – The newly-founded Fresno Football Club announced the signing of three players on Thursday afternoon, including former Sunbird Renato Bustamante. A decorated player during his time at FPU, Bustamante wrapped up his Sunbird career in the fall of 2015.
 
"It's an honor to be given the opportunity to sign with Fresno FC. Coach Ramirez gave me an opportunity to play at the collegiate level and then put his trust in me and allowed me to see how good I could be," Bustamante said. "I'm forever thankful for my development at Fresno Pacific, and I'm extremely excited to be able to defend the city of Fresno once again."
 
A native of Lima, Peru, Bustamante was named the PacWest Player of the Year as a senior after leading the team with 31 points on nine goals and 13 assists. He became the first All-American of Fresno Pacific's NCAA era, landing as a NSCAA First Team All-American and a CCA Second Team selection.
 
"Renato is a young man that has pursued soccer excellence since he was a child. Having the opportunity to work with him for three years was a privilege for me and my staff. He joins a fraternity of Sunbirds that have graduated from our program to the professional ranks," head coach Jaime Ramirez said. "It is an honor to have one of our own play for the first professional soccer team in the history of Fresno sports. I am extremely happy for him and look forward to seeing him play for Fresno FC."
 
In May of 2016, Bustamante inked his first pro contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the National Premier Soccer League. Most recently, Bustamante spent the last two seasons with the Fresno Fuego of the Premier Development League, helping the club to consecutive postseasons for the first time in a decade, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2017.
 
Fresno FC will kick off its inaugural season in the USL on March 17, 2018 against Las Vegas Lights FC at Chukchansi Park. Fans interested in season tickets can contact The Foxes' sales office at 559-320-2525.
 
To view the release on Bustamante's signing from Fresno FC, please click here.