RANGERS kicked off their North American tour with a shock 3-1 defeat to Ventura County Fusion early today.

Boss Ally McCoist handed starting berths to three of his summer signings as Marius Zaliukas, Darren McGregor and Kenny Miller got the nod in California.

But it was to prove a low-key 90 minutes for the Light Blues as some sloppy defending cost McCoist's side - who were cheered on by nine-in-a-row winning captain Richard Gough and former Ibrox director Paul Murray - as their time Stateside got off to a disappointing start.

Jordan Vale and Ronnie Argueta fired the hosts into a two-goal lead and, while Bilel Mohsni pulled one back for the League One champions, Matt LaGrassa clinched the win for Fusion.

Next up for Rangers is a clash with Sacramento Republic on Saturday before they head to Canada next week for matches against Victoria Highlanders and Ottawa Fury.