SANTA BARBARA, Calif., - Fresno FC took an early lead from Renato Bustamante’s header against MLS squad LA Galaxy in Thursday’s preseason exhibition, but the Foxes fell 3-1 at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium.

“I think the first half we competed very, very well. I felt like we were looking to be 2 or 3-1 up at half, actually,” said head coach Adam Smith. “We've got to keep the competitiveness going and keep the tempo of the game going. Some guys did it, and some guys have a bit more work to do. But it's preseason, we expect that. The main reason for game and exercises is to get minutes for the guys. All I wanted to do from the start is compete, and I think we did that. To be honest, I think we've surprised a few people from what we did in the first 45, really 55 minutes. "

Bustamante, the former Fresno Fuego and Fresno Pacific star, put Los Zorros in front in the 18th minute, heading in the club’s first goal off an assist from Alex Cooper.