SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC (10-8-7, 37 points) suffered a 3-0 home loss to LAFC (14-5-5, 47 points) on Saturday evening on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field. The loss snaps Seattle’s six-match winning streak across all competitions, as well as a five-match winning streak at home. Sounders FC now turns its attention to Leagues Cup 2024, with its first fixture of Group Play scheduled against Minnesota United FC on Friday, July 26 on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:00 p.m. PT / Apple TV, El Rey 1360 AM).

Seattle Sounders FC 0 – Los Angeles FC 3

Assistants: Andrew Bigelow, Diego Blas

Fourth Official: Elijio Arreguin

Weather: 80 degrees and sunny

LAFC – Denis Bouanga 16’

LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz 26’

LAFC – Denis Bouanga (Kei Kamara) 74’

SEA – Nouhou (caution) 14’

SEA – João Paulo (caution) 45’ + 9’

SEA – Paul Rothrock (caution) 55’

LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz (caution) 62’

LAFC – Jesús Murillo (caution) 85’

Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Frei – Captain; Reed Baker-Whiting, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou (Raúl Ruidíaz 56’); Obed Vargas, João Paulo (Alex Roldan 56’); Cristian Roldan (Danny Musovski 73’), Albert Rusnák, Pedro de la Vega (Paul Rothrock 46’); Jordan Morris

Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas, Cody Baker, Jonathan Bell, Danny Leyva, Léo Chú

LAFC – Hugo Lloris; Omar Campos (Ryan Hollingshead 78’), Aaron Long (Eddie Segura 70’), Maxime Chanot, Jesús Murillo, Sergi Palencia; Eduard Atuesta, Ilie Sánchez (Erik Dueñas 86’), Mateusz Bogusz (David Martínez 77’); Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz (Kei Kamara 69’)

Substitutes not used: Abraham Romero, Thomas Musto, Tomás Ángel

The Seattle Police Department officer who was heard on body camera footage last year laughing and joking about the death of a Northeastern graduate student was fired July 17, officials confirmed to The News. 

Interim Chief of Police Sue Rahr terminated the officer, Daniel Auderer, after an internal investigation by the Seattle Police Department, or SPD, found that he violated the department’s professionalism policy, SPD told The News July 18. In body camera footage released by the department in September 2023, Auderer was recorded laughing and saying that 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula, a graduate student at Northeastern’s Seattle campus, had “limited value” after she was fatally struck by a police cruiser in January 2023.

In an internal email to the department confirmed by The News, Rahr said that Auderer’s “cruel comments and callous laughter about [Kandula’s] tragic death” caused pain to her family and “immeasurable damage” to public trust of SPD and law enforcement officials across the world. 

“This case has been covered extensively in the public, has garnered international media and diplomatic attention, and I am confident that everyone in this organization has had the opportunity to learn about the case and hear for themselves the officer’s words,” Rahr wrote in the email, noting that it is “unusual” for a police chief to explain the reason behind a termination to the department. “I am choosing to share the outcome of this case with all of you because the far-reaching impact of the officer’s actions reflect on all of us, not just as members of the Seattle Police Department but on the profession of law enforcement.”

Auderer, who was hired by the department in 2008, made the crude remarks while on the phone with Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mark Solan the day after Kandula’s death. Kandula was struck by SPD officer Kevin Dave Jan. 23, 2023, while walking in a crosswalk, according to an incident report. 

During the phone call, which Auderer unintentionally recorded on his body camera, Auderer said that Kandula was “a regular person” and suggested “[writing] a check … $11,000, she was 26 [sic] anyways, she had limited value.”

Auderer’s remarks resulted in international outrage and received widespread scrutiny from the Northeastern community, prompting a response from Northeastern’s Chancellor and Senior Vice President of Learning Ken Henderson, who called Auderer’s actions “callous and insensitive.” 

Auderer was reassigned to a non-operational position in October 2023, SPD told The News at the time. In January, Seattle’s Office of Police Accountability, or OPA, found that Auderer violated SPD’s policies of professionalism and biased-based policing. 

In her email to the department, Rahr said she had to balance “intent versus impact” when deciding whether to terminate Auderer, adding that Auderer intended the conversation with Solan to be “private” and that he was engaging in “gallows humor.”

“Gallows humor is a common coping behavior among those who routinely witness traumatic events,” Rahr wrote. Merriam-Webster defines “gallows humor” as humor that “makes fun” of life-threatening or serious situations. “Most of us in law enforcement have engaged in gallows humor from time to time,” she said.

Rahr also said that Auderer is “well-regarded, if not beloved,” by his peers and superiors. 

“He has done many positive and noteworthy things during the course of his career. I expect that many of you will disagree with my decision, and perhaps be angry,” her email reads. Auderer’s colleagues wrote letters of support for the officer amid the investigation into his conduct, according to a disciplinary action report, or DAR, produced by SPD and obtained by The News. 

According to OpenOversight, a database that provides public data about law enforcement, Auderer has been the subject of 29 OPA complaints since 2014. The complaints include allegations of misuse of force and biased policing, and 14 of them resulted in sustained findings or recommendations for supervisory action. 

In the DAR, Rahr wrote that the decision to terminate Auderer included consideration of his previous violations of the professionalism policy. In 2018, the officer reportedly “ridiculed” a subject after she told him she was unable to follow his instructions due to a medical condition. In 2017, Auderer pretended to be a pizza delivery person while helping arrest a subject even though he was off-duty and outside of his jurisdiction, Rahr wrote in the DAR.

“Thus, the insensitivity you demonstrated in this case cannot be characterized as a one-off,” Rahr wrote in a letter to Auderer notifying him of his termination. “There is evidence that your lack of professionalism has not been confined to instances in which you thought you were speaking privately.”

In her email to the department, Rahr said she has had conversations with community members who she described as “very ‘pro-police’” who thought the “dehumanizing laughter” was “more outrageous and disturbing than the death of Ms. Kandula.”

“Our government gives police officers the authority to deprive people of their liberty and in the most extreme circumstances, their life,” Rahr wrote. “This authority rests on the public’s trust that officers will demonstrate respect for the sanctity of human life. The officer’s laughter and callous comments about the ‘limited value’ of Ms. Kandula’s life displayed a cruel mockery of the sanctity of her life. That is a betrayal of that sacred trust.”

According to the DAR, Auderer had two hearings with SPD leadership to defend himself from misconduct allegations — one with Rahr and one with former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, who stepped down in May amid controversy surrounding allegations of rampant sexual and racial discrimination in the department, PBS reported. 

In the meetings, Auderer and his representatives from the Seattle Police Officers Guild defended the officer of bias allegations, saying that Auderer did not know Kandula’s “name, race or ethnicity” and was laughing at the “absurdity of the situation,” according to the DAR. 

“[The representative] acknowledged all of the media attention and public outcry this case generated but argued that ‘clicks and complaints are not evidence’ that [Auderer] engaged in biased-based policing,” the DAR reads. Rahr agreed that Auderer did not violate the policy and said she would take steps to overturn OPA’s finding on that allegation. 

In his hearing with Rahr, Auderer told her that he was “born” to be a SPD officer and loved the job, acknowledging that trust is the “most important aspect” of the work, according to the DAR. 

“Trust is gained in drips and lost in buckets: I’ve dumped my bucket over,” Auderer told Rahr, adding that he wanted to “refill [the] bucket drip by drip.” The report said Auderer issued a “heartfelt apology” in the hearing and said he wished he could “bear the pain” for Kandula’s family. 

Auderer previously told OPA that his comments were intended to mock lawyers that could be tasked with litigating the case and reiterated that he thought the conversation was private, according to the DAR.

Seattle Councilmember Tammy Morales released a statement July 18 saying Rahr made the right decision to fire Auderer but that it “shouldn’t have taken a year and a half to happen.” Morales also called for discipline of Dave, who was driving at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone when he struck Kandula, according to the incident report. 

Dave was issued a traffic infraction for negligent driving in March, but prosecutors announced in February they would not pursue criminal charges against him for Kandula’s death. In May, The Seattle Times reported that Dave was late in paying a $5,000 ticket related to the collision. 

Rahr said in the DAR that terminating an officer for violating the professionalism policy is rare but that the circumstances in the case are unique. 

“Your comments here were so derogatory, hurtful and damaging to community trust, that this case is unique, both in terms of the inhumanity of your comments and laughter, and in the devastating impact they have had,” she wrote to Auderer in his termination letter. 

Over the course of 48 seasons, the Seattle Seahawks have boasted plenty of star power on offense, defense, and special teams. But which players stand out as the best of the best closing in on half a century as an NFL franchise?

To take part in the festivities, each member of the All Seahawks writing staff assembled their own individual rankings for the top 100 players in Seahawks history.

After compiling averages from all four lists, who made the final cut? In part seven of our countdown, highlighted by three of the most prolific receivers in franchise history, here’s players No. 50 through 41 with highest ranking, lowest ranking, and analysis courtesy of our writing staff.

Seahawks Tenure: 1978–1987

Highest Ranking: 40

Lowest Ranking: 44

Writer’s Take: While most fans remember him as the former defensive coordinator for the Steelers, Butler also stands out as one of the best defenders to ever play for the Seahawks, unofficially producing the fourth-most tackles (813) in franchise history. After Seattle drafted him in the second round of the 1978 NFL Draft, the 6-4, 230-pound linebacker made an instant impact during his rookie season, starting in 14 of the team’s 16 regular season games. Before retiring in 1988, Butler started 118 consecutive games from 1979-1986, a truly impressive ironman streak that would make Cal Ripken Jr. proud. Known as a coach on and off the field throughout his playing career, the Memphis standout mentored players like Fredd Young, Greg Gaines, and Bruce Scholtz over his 10 seasons in the Pacific Northwest. –Nick Lee

Seahawks Tenure: 1984–1987

Highest Ranking: 33

Lowest Ranking: 46

Writer’s Take: A small school prospect out of New Mexico State, Young joined the Seahawks as a third-round pick in 1984 with multiple veteran linebackers in front of him on the depth chart. But while he didn’t see many defensive snaps as a rookie, he earned Pro Bowl accolades as a standout on kick and punt coverage teams. He jumped into the starting lineup in 1985 and quickly became one of the AFC’s best young inside linebackers, thriving as a blitzer in Seattle’s 3-4 scheme. After making the Pro Bowl in 1985 and 1986, Young felt slighted by the Seahawks decision to select Dave Wyman in the second round and use a first-round pick in the supplemental draft on Brian Bosworth. Motivated by the team’s apparent lack of faith in him, he went out and produced a career-high 9.0 sacks in 1987 and garnered First-Team All-Pro honors. Unfortunately, Young’s brief tenure in Seattle came to an end that offseason as the two sides couldn’t agree to an extension and he was dealt to Indianapolis. -Corbin Smith

Seahawks Tenure: 2000–2006

Highest Ranking: 37

Lowest Ranking: 41

Writer’s Take: A third-round selection in 2000, Jackson exceeded expectations as an 80th overall pick for the Seahawks. In seven seasons with Seattle, Jackson posted three 1,000-yard seasons catching passes from Matt Hasselbeck, topping out at 1,199 receiving yards in 2004. He played in just six games during the team’s 2005 Super Bowl season but was able to play in the postseason. Jackson tied the Super Bowl record for the most receptions in the first quarter with five but then was held without a catch the rest of the game. He was also the subject of a controversial offensive pass interference call in that game that would have resulted in a touchdown if not called. Jackson is fifth in Seahawks history in receiving yards (6,445) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (47), and he has also played the seventh-most games by a wide receiver with 96. -Connor Benintendi

Seahawks Tenure: 1986–1993

Highest Ranking: 31

Lowest Ranking: 43

Writer’s Take: Fullbacks have nearly reached extinction in today’s NFL, but back in the 1980s, the position was far more important. As a sign of different times, Seattle used a first-round pick on the 231-pound Williams in the 1986 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact for coach Chuck Knox’s offense, starting all 16 games as a rookie while rushing for 528 yards and catching 33 passes. Over the next seven seasons, Williams emerged as a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, producing nearly 8,000 total scrimmage yards and scoring 33 touchdowns for the Seahawks. By the time he left Seattle in 1994, he’d played in two Pro Bowls while running for over 4,500 yards and catching a ridiculous 471 passes, becoming the first and only player in franchise history to be in the top-10 for both rushing and receiving yardage. If Williams suited up today, he’d be in high demand given his receiving skills and athleticism. -Corbin Smith

Seahawks Tenure: 2007–2015

Highest Ranking: 35

Lowest Ranking: 44

Writer’s Take: Revered for his signature “belly roll” celebration, Mebane was one of the few Seahawks who survived an extensive list of trades and cuts after Pete Carroll and John Schneider arrived in 2010. Anchoring the middle of Seattle’s defensive line, he excelled at eating up double teams and doing the dirty work in the trenches, but he also displayed plenty of play making ability with the Seahawks. Making 125 starts, he amassed 349 combined tackles, 49 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and eight pass deflections in nine seasons with the franchise. His best season came in 2012 as he registered a career-high 56 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and three passes defensed. A reliable leader and underrated cog of one of the NFL’s best all-time defenses, it’s a travesty Mebane somehow never garnered Pro Bowl honors. His longevity coupled with consistent production shutting down the run make him one of the best defensive tackles to wear a Seahawks uniform. -Corbin Smith

Seahawks Tenure: 1995–1999

Highest Ranking: 33

Lowest Ranking: 38

Writer’s Take: Drafted eighth overall out of Ohio State in 1995, Galloway wasted little time making his mark in the AFC West, putting points on the board in bunches both on offense and special teams for Seattle. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie and scored eight combined touchdowns, including returning a kickoff for a score. Teaming up with Warren Moon in 1997 and 1998, he produced 2,096 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns while averaging 15.3 yards per reception, emerging as one of the NFL’s most dangerous vertical threats with his elite speed. Though he got snubbed from the Pro Bowl, he scored 14 combined touchdowns in 1998, including leading the league with two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Seattle eventually traded Galloway to Dallas in 2000, receiving two first-round picks in exchange that were later used to draft Shaun Alexander and Koren Robinson. -Corbin Smith

Seahawks Tenure: 2009–2014

Highest Ranking: 32

Lowest Ranking: 39

Writer’s Take: Taken in the second round of the 2008 draft, Unger because an instant starter on the offensive line, starting all 16 games his rookie season. He was a vital part of an offensive line that paved holes for Marshawn Lynch to become “Beast Mode,” blocking for him for each of the four seasons the star back eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards. He was the center for Matt Hasselbeck and Russell Wilson, helping bridge the franchise from the old era to their Super Bowl winning ways. Unger played in eight playoff games for the Seahawks including the back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2012, one of just three Seattle offensive linemen to receive that distinction. Seattle sorely missed him once he was dealt to the Saints for Jimmy Graham in 2015 in a deal that may have changed the course for the franchise. -Nick Lee

Seahawks Tenure: 1998–2007

Highest Ranking: 32

Lowest Ranking: 35

Writer’s Take: After spending five seasons with Miami and Chicago, Gray arrived in Seattle in 1998 and became arguably the most versatile Ironman offensive lineman in franchise history. Gray played center his first three seasons with the Seahawks before Robbie Tobeck took over that role, and Gray moved to guard. He started 145 games over 10 seasons with the Seahawks, setting the team record for most consecutive games started (121) until Russell Wilson surpassed Gray’s mark (149). Gray still ranks 13th in team history with 158 games played. His ability to move anywhere on the offensive line helped Seattle’s offense flourish, and Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander were the biggest benefactors. -Connor Benintendi

Seahawks Tenure: 1978–1985

Highest Ranking: 29

Lowest Ranking: 37

Writer’s Take: It’s mind-boggling Harris, who is tied for 35th on the NFL’s all-time interceptions list, never made the Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team in his 11-year career. Drafted in the seventh round of the 1978 NFL Draft, the ex-Arizona State standout promptly won a starting job in Seattle’s secondary and picked off four passes as a rookie. Over the next seven seasons, Harris emerged as one of the best free safeties in the league, intercepting six or more passes four times. After breaking out with six picks in 1980, he enjoyed the finest season of his career in 1981, intercepting 10 passes and returning two of them for defensive touchdowns. Along with being one of the most productive safeties in the NFL during the regular season, he also found tremendous success in the postseason with the Seahawks, intercepting four passes in five career playoff games. -Corbin Smith

Seahawks Tenure: 2019–Present

Highest Ranking: 30

Lowest Ranking: 31

Writer’s Take: This isn’t recency bias. Regardless of era, Metcalf has already entered elite company when it comes to historical Seahawks receivers. He has had at least 900 yards receiving in all five seasons since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has cracked 1,000 yards in three of those campaigns. Metcalf’s 1,303 receiving yards in 2020 broke Steve Largent’s single-season receiving record, and his 2023 season ranks 13th in team history (1,114 yards). Even if Metcalf retired today, he would finish his career sixth all-time in franchise history in receiving yards (5,332), fifth in receiving touchdowns (43) and eighth in receptions (372). Heading into year six, Metcalf has made two Pro Bowls and been a Second Team All-Pro. If he remains in Seattle for at least a few more seasons, at the least, he could enter the top three ranks in almost every receiving category. -Connor Benintendi