Editor’s note: Phoenix Rising FC’s 20-game winning streak not only made history in the USL Championship, but became acknowledged as the longest winning streak in North American professional soccer history.

And for all the column inches devoted to the club’s incredible run, the images captured by internationally renowned local photographer Grace Stufkosky provide an honest, gritty look at a streak which began on May 10 against Rio Grande Valley FC and continued all the way to its 20th win against the LA Galaxy II on September 14.

Here are some of Stufkosky’s favorite images from the club’s run, and in her words, what made them stand out.

GRACE STUFKOSKY: The match against El Paso Locomotive was just one week after the El Paso shooting. As a show of solidarity, both the Red Fury and Los Bandidos presented members of the Locomotive family with two custom banners. It was a good reminder that even when facing a tough opponent and in the middle of a historic winning streak, we’re all a part of the larger soccer community and our relationships and support of each other transcend the game when it matters most.

GS: Throughout the season, the club’s legendary $1 beer nights have become a pretty big deal. And admittedly, as a photographer, I absolutely love the atmosphere and unique shots I can capture those evenings. When I’m not shooting pitch side, you can usually find me in the stands with Los Bandidos capturing the passion, shooting smoke, and getting showered in cheap beer.

GS: This guy right here. It’s kind of hard to put into words the impact that Solomon Asante has had on this season as well as the club’s incredible run. Not only is he a goal scoring machine, he’s an incredible leader. The mutual respect that Asante and the players have for each other is very apparent and I love to photograph their interactions including this pregame pep talk before the Sacramento FC match. 

GS: After each game the players head over to the South End to thank the supporters, take pictures with them, etc. This is always one of my favorite times to photograph because you can tell that the players are genuinely grateful for our fan base and enjoy those moments interacting with them. This photograph was taken after the win against Sacramento and the look on these guys’ faces says it all. Seriously, if you haven’t selfied with a Rising player after a match, did it even happen? 

GS: This is one of my favorite photographs I’ve taken this season. It's from the club’s 6-0 defeat over Austin Bold FC. FIVE goals in the second half and they all happened on my end which almost never happens (I’m sure other soccer photographers can relate)! I like the moodiness of this photo with the smoke hanging on in the background - I think it gives a good sense at what it’s like to be in our “home”.

GS: Hats off to this guy! Zac Lubin has been so incredible in goal this season. He also happens to be one of the nicest guys off the pitch as well, so it’s been fun to see him killing it during the streak.

GS: So many celebration photos from this match against Austin but this one after Adam Jahn’s goal is one of my favorites. Perfectly shows how both teams were feeling in that moment and the support that our guys have for one another. 

GS: As a photographer and a supporter of the club, the win streak has been such a fun ride. I’ve gotten to know a lot of these players and they are an outstanding group of men in all aspects - I couldn’t be prouder of them. No doubt they’re refocused and gearing up for the playoffs and I can’t wait to get in on that action as well. 

Grace Stufkosky is a regular contributor for Phoenix Rising Football Club and SoccerBible. Her work has also appeared on the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, CBS, Copa 90, and U.S. Soccer. You can follow her on Instagram here.