Editor's note: Team photographer Michael Rincon saw quite a lot through his lens during the 2018 season. Here are his ten best shots, according to him, and the stories behind them.
Editor’s note: Team photographer Michael Rincon saw quite a lot through his lens during the 2018 season. Here are his ten best shots, according to him, and the stories behind them.
It is usually my luck that players run away from me after scoring a goal. In this case, Chris Cortez ran in my direction after scoring a goal in the 56th minute against Seattle Sounders FC 2. I recall seeing Jason Johnson in the corner of my viewfinder waving in celebration to the Bandidos before turning to join the players who were running toward Chris. At some point, Jason turned and playfully kicked Chris in the behind. I did not notice this as my camera was cycling through frames, but was pleasantly surprised when editing photos that I caught the kick at moment of contact.
It is usually my luck that players run away from me after scoring a goal. In this case, Chris Cortez ran in my direction after scoring a goal in the 56th minute against Seattle Sounders FC 2. I recall seeing Jason Johnson in the corner of my viewfinder waving in celebration to the Bandidos before turning to join the players who were running toward Chris. At some point, Jason turned and playfully kicked Chris in the behind. I did not notice this as my camera was cycling through frames, but was pleasantly surprised when editing photos that I caught the kick at moment of contact.
I’ve photographed every year of USL action in the Phoenix area since 2013. Each year the supporters groups become a more significant soundtrack behind the games at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. In this photo, members of the Bandidos cheer in anticipation of players greeting fans in the supporters’ section following the exciting come-from-behind win over LA Galaxy II.
I’ve photographed every year of USL action in the Phoenix area since 2013. Each year the supporters groups become a more significant soundtrack behind the games at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. In this photo, members of the Bandidos cheer in anticipation of players greeting fans in the supporters’ section following the exciting come-from-behind win over LA Galaxy II.
All the glory is at the scoring end, so I feel bad that I didn’t get more game photos of Carl Woszczynski and Zac Lubin. I try to take advantage of the time the keepers enter the field to start warmups long before the rest of the team. During that time the light is right and the keepers begin to get ‘in the zone’ for the upcoming game.
All the glory is at the scoring end, so I feel bad that I didn’t get more game photos of Carl Woszczynski and Zac Lubin. I try to take advantage of the time the keepers enter the field to start warmups long before the rest of the team. During that time the light is right and the keepers begin to get ‘in the zone’ for the upcoming game.
Didier Drogba and Patrice Carteron meet each other on the field during the celebration of Phoenix Rising’s 4-3 come-from-behind win over LA Galaxy II. Didier scored the winning goal on a 78th-minute penalty kick as Phoenix scored three unanswered goals to come from behind. The emotion here was genuine between Didier and Patrice. It was also a gutsy win that proved the team had chops.
Didier Drogba and Patrice Carteron meet each other on the field during the celebration of Phoenix Rising’s 4-3 come-from-behind win over LA Galaxy II. Didier scored the winning goal on a 78th-minute penalty kick as Phoenix scored three unanswered goals to come from behind. The emotion here was genuine between Didier and Patrice. It was also a gutsy win that proved the team had chops.
In this photo Joe Farrell wins a header against a Los Dos opponent. As frequently as headers occur during matches, it is often times difficult to get a usable photo – the players backs are to the camera and the ball in is not in the shot. I like this particular photo because you can actually see the strength of the header by virtue of the slight motion blur of the ball and the blast of perspiration radiating from the contact point.
In this photo Joe Farrell wins a header against a Los Dos opponent. As frequently as headers occur during matches, it is often times difficult to get a usable photo – the players backs are to the camera and the ball in is not in the shot. I like this particular photo because you can actually see the strength of the header by virtue of the slight motion blur of the ball and the blast of perspiration radiating from the contact point.
Jason Johnson had what appeared to be a clear shot into an open net, but LA’s Wade Hamilton had another idea. Need to credit Hamilton for using all of the equipment to make a save because he clearly, potentially put his face and head in the line of fire of JJ’s powerful strike.
Jason Johnson had what appeared to be a clear shot into an open net, but LA’s Wade Hamilton had another idea. Need to credit Hamilton for using all of the equipment to make a save because he clearly, potentially put his face and head in the line of fire of JJ’s powerful strike.
Pregame warmups at sunset make for very interesting photo opportunities because of the golden hour light and silhouette possibilities. In this photo the warmups were just wrapping up as Zac Lubin was in goal to face the strikes of his teammates. The sky was in its golden phase just before sunset when I caught this angle with Lubin in front the net and the Rising sign and fan areas in the background.
Pregame warmups at sunset make for very interesting photo opportunities because of the golden hour light and silhouette possibilities. In this photo the warmups were just wrapping up as Zac Lubin was in goal to face the strikes of his teammates. The sky was in its golden phase just before sunset when I caught this angle with Lubin in front the net and the Rising sign and fan areas in the background.
Billy Forbes had the honor of wearing the best kit during the Phoenix Rising kit reveal at Marque Theatre. While the team was gathering on stage, Billy unintentionally struck this pose and I was able to get this “hero” shot. To me, it signified the team was ready for the challenges ahead.
Billy Forbes had the honor of wearing the best kit during the Phoenix Rising kit reveal at Marque Theatre. While the team was gathering on stage, Billy unintentionally struck this pose and I was able to get this “hero” shot. To me, it signified the team was ready for the challenges ahead.
This photo shows Didier Drogba’s goal celebration on what could be his last professional goal of his career during the USL Western Conference Final in Orange County. After celebrating with teammates, Didier dropped to his knees and looked skyward. I’ve captured several such gestures during the past two seasons and, to me, they always feel genuine. It also appears Jason Johnson is placing an invisible crown atop Didier’s head. He is, afterall, the King!
This photo shows Didier Drogba’s goal celebration on what could be his last professional goal of his career during the USL Western Conference Final in Orange County. After celebrating with teammates, Didier dropped to his knees and looked skyward. I’ve captured several such gestures during the past two seasons and, to me, they always feel genuine. It also appears Jason Johnson is placing an invisible crown atop Didier’s head. He is, afterall, the King!
There was no more fitting player to be hoisted upon the shoulders of supporters in 2018 as Chris Cortez. With his 19 goals, including a goal in the Western Conference Final, Cortez led the team in scoring and was tied for fourth-most goals in the league. Phoenix supporters surrounded Chris while he was interviewed by USL’s Kelsi Steele and afterward lifted Chris in jubilation.
There was no more fitting player to be hoisted upon the shoulders of supporters in 2018 as Chris Cortez. With his 19 goals, including a goal in the Western Conference Final, Cortez led the team in scoring and was tied for fourth-most goals in the league. Phoenix supporters surrounded Chris while he was interviewed by USL’s Kelsi Steele and afterward lifted Chris in jubilation.
