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From England to Milwaukee, the Wave’s Alex Bradley always evolving on field, in ‘rat race’

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From England to Milwaukee, the Wave’s Alex Bradley always evolving on field, in ‘rat race’


Milwaukee Wave veteran Alex Bradley will do a little bit of everything.

The 31-year-old Englishman will help control the pace of the game from his relatively new position as a defender. He’ll also score goals.

Or he can drive you across town. Maybe sell you a pair of shoes on eBay.

He would like to rent you an apartment, although that opportunity might be a year off.

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No, this isn’t exactly the life Bradley imagined while growing up in the soccer-mad UK, playing for academy teams, scrapping to be that one-in-ten-thousand prospect who made it to the Premier League.

But it is a situation in which he has become completely comfortable, one that has allowed him to earn a paycheck in the game he loves while also developing a passion finding the next opportunity.

“I kind of fell in love with the lifestyle a little bit here,” said Bradley, who first came to the U.S. to pursue college soccer.

“I was close to making it – in quotes – when I was in England. Played semipro level, academy, growing up.”

But close and making it can still be miles apart.

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“It’s difficult to make it as a pro in the U.S., but I would argue in England it’s a lot more difficult,” Bradley continued. “Because it’s the No. 1 sport. Every kid is trying to play soccer. Over here you’ve got kids trying to play American football or baseball or basketball.

“Let’s put it this way. I played academy growing up. One kid I played with plays in the Premier League now, out of how many kids I played with or against over the years, so it shows how difficult it is.”

So began the journey from Milton Keynes to Milwaukee.

With an aunt having settled in Dubuque, Iowa, years earlier, an 18-year-old Bradley came to check out the U.S. and college opportunities.

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Loras College, a Division III power in Dubuque, turned out to be a good fit. The DuHawks made two final fours and one championship game during Bradley’s time, he became a coaches’ association all-American as a senior in 2016 and was on the program’s all-time top-10 list in points and assists by the time he was done.

After his rookie MASL season with Cedar Rapids, Bradley joined the Wave in time for its 2018-19 championship season.

By that point, his soccer lot was cast for better or worse. The major leagues don’t look to the indoor game for talent, and it turned out that would be just fine.

“Someone warned me of this as well, my first year of playing in the MASL: You kind of get – and I don’t want to use the word, but … – ‘abducted’ by indoor,” Bradley said.

“The MASL, you’re making good money for six months and then for the rest of the year work on other stuff. But if you go to outdoor, you’re committing 10 or 11 months. It’s a complete lifestyle takeover and less opportunity to earn money other ways. I enjoy working for myself, enjoy driving a little bit of Lyft on the side. My schedule just works right now with everything I do.”

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The Wave’s 2023-24 season opens with road games Friday against the St. Louis Ambush and Sunday against the Kansas City Comets before the home opener Dec. 9 against Monterrey Flash at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

In addition to bringing back such players as Bradley, popular veterans Ian Bennett and Marcio Leite and 2022-23 goalkeeper William Banahene, the Wave added a few free agents, most notably forward Ricardo Carvalho, who has averaged 1.7 points a game over eight seasons in the MASL.

Bradley was the team’s most durable player last season, the only one to play in all 24 regular-season and five playoff games as the Wave won the Eastern Conference title before falling to the Baltimore Blast in the semifinals.

In fitting with his life off the field, Bradley also has become one of the organization’s most adaptable players.

“We won a championship, Alex Bradley was a target forward for our team, and now he’s kind of one of our leaders from the defensive side of the ball,” coach Giuliano Oliviero said. “This (indoor) game, you’ve got to be able to attack, you’ve got to be able to defend.

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“So positionally I don’t think it’s fazed him. He still gets to attack, he still gets his points, he’s got a really great left foot. And just having his experience really helps us.”

Bradley recently was granted an extension of his permanent residence status. He hopes the next extension will be of the 10-year variety. That’d help with his next goal for the “rat race” Bradley has come to enjoy.

“Seeing how many income streams I can create … my end goal is to get into real estate and be a landlord,” Bradley said. “Hopefully I can make some good steps this year.”

Ironically, for a guy who loves a side hustle, Bradley is one of the few players on the Wave who isn’t involved in coaching soccer, whether with one of the local clubs or for the Wave youth camps.

“I drive Lyft before I come to practice, drive the work rush in the morning and sometimes I log on in the afternoon for a few hours. It’s very much part time,” Bradley said. “I have an eBay business that I’ve run since college and it’s kind of another part-time thing that doesn’t take a lot of work. I resell shoes and clothes and stuff. It’s been fun learning what works and what doesn’t.

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“Always looking for opportunities.”

Milwaukee Wave 2023-24 schedule

Nov. 24: at St. Louis

Nov. 26: at Kansas City

Dec. 9: vs. Monterrey, 6:05 p.m.

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Dec. 15: vs. St. Louis, 6:35 p.m.

Dec. 28: at Dallas

Dec. 30: at Texas

Jan 4: vs. Utica City, 6:35 p.m.

Jan. 7: vs. Harrisburg, 2:05 p.m.

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Jan. 12: at St. Louis

Jan. 13: vs. Dallas, 6:05 p.m.

Jan 21: vs. Dallas, 1:05 p.m.

Jan. 23: at Monterrey

Jan. 25: at Texas

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Jan. 28: vs. Monterrey, 12:05 p.m.

Feb. 3: vs. Harrisburg, 6:05 p.m.

Feb. 16: vs. St. Louis, 6:35 p.m.

Feb. 18: at Utica City

Feb. 25: at St. Louis

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March 2: at Baltimore

March 8: vs. Utica City, 6:35 p.m.

March 10: vs. St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.

March 17: at Dallas

March 22: vs. San Diego, 6:35 p.m.

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March 24: at Monterrey



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Milwaukee, WI

2 DNS inspectors assigned to HACM properties in Milwaukee

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2 DNS inspectors assigned to HACM properties in Milwaukee


MILWAUKEE — The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) said it will “begin addressing complaints of residents related to [the] Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) properties” as of Monday, May 6. 


What You Need To Know

  • The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) said it will “begin addressing complaints of residents related to [the] Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) properties” as of Monday, May 6
  • Two DNS inspectors were assigned to help HACM residents, according to DNS 
  • HACM has more than 4,000 residences designated for low-income families, seniors and disabled adults in Milwaukee

Two DNS inspectors were assigned to help HACM residents, according to DNS. HACM has more than 4,000 residences designated for low-income families, seniors and disabled adults in Milwaukee.

“We appreciate the patience of HACM residents who have waited for DNS to become more involved with their building concerns,” said DNS commissioner Jezamil Arroyo-Vega. “Now, with dedicated staff, we look forward to ensuring they live in safe housing.”

“This is a historic day. For 80 years, HACM has skated under DNS’ inspection radar — leaving thousands of residents without recourse when HACM has ignored them,” said Kevin Solomon, associate organizer with Common Ground.

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The City of Milwaukee Common Council’s steering and rules committee passed an ordinance in Sept. 2023 that granted DNS oversight of HACM property inspections. This came after multiple resident complaints. The Common Council passed the legislation, but required DNS to fill staff vacancies before assigning two dedicated HACM inspectors. After DNS filled those vacancies, two internal candidates took on the inspector positions.

DNS said it has already responded to some safety concerns at HACM properties, including lack of heat in units during cold temperature months.

DNS said HACM residents should contact property managers with any complaints. If property managers are not responsive, HACM residents should then call the Unified Call Center at (414) 286-CITY or submit a complaint online at city.milwaukee.gov/ucc/action.com. Any complaints that fall under DNS jurisdiction would then be sent to the inspectors.

“We kept at it for a year, and it paid off. Now we begin educating residents about DNS, what types of complaints to call in, and how to do so,” said Roye “Chris” Logan, resident president at Mitchell Court, in a statement. 



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Milwaukee Brewers at Kansas City Royals odds, picks and predictions

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Milwaukee Brewers at Kansas City Royals odds, picks and predictions


The Kansas City Royals (20-15) welcome the Milwaukee Brewers (20-13) to Kauffman Stadium Monday. First pitch to commence the 3-game series is set for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Brewers vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Brewers won 3-0 last season

The Royals lost to the Texas Rangers 3-2 Sunday at home, but did cover as a run-line underdog, closing at +126 on the moneyline. They have lost 2 in a row and 5 of their last 8 games. Kansas City is 22-13 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 13-7 straight up at home.

The Brewers lost 5-0 to the Chicago Cubs Sunday on the road, failing to cover as a run-line favorite. They lost the last 2 of that 3-game series and have lost 5 of their last 8 games. Milwaukee is 13-6 on the road, the 3rd-best win percentage in the majors, and 19-14 ATS.

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Brewers at Royals projected starters

RHP Bryse Wilson vs. LHP Cole Ragans

Wilson (2-1, 3.00 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.00 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 24 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 1-0 home loss vs. Tampa Bay Rays April 29
  • 2024 road splits: 2-0, 4.50 ERA, 10 IP, 5 ER, 8 H (2 HR), 3 BB, 6 K in 5 appearances (1 start)
  • Has never faced Kansas City

Ragans (2-2, 3.44 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9 in 36 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K in 4-1 road win vs. Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday
  • 2024 home splits: 1-2, 6.62 ERA, 17 2/3 IP, 13 ER, 27 H (1 HR), 7 BB, 22 K in 4 starts
  • Has never faced Milwaukee

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Brewers at Royals odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:49 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Brewers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Royals -142 (bet $142 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Brewers +1.5 (-182) | Royals -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Brewers at Royals picks and predictions

Prediction

Brewers 4, Royals 3

Moneyline

LEAN BREWERS (+120).

Milwaukee has won 3 of its last 5 games on the road and is one of MLB’s best-performing road teams. The Brewers have won 2 of Wilson’s 3 starts and have given up a combined 3 runs across those games.

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The Royals have lost 2 games in a row, both at home, and allowed a combined 18 runs in those. They have lost 5 of their last 6 games at home. Given how well the Brewers have played in Wilson’s starts and on the road, back BREWERS (+120).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There’s no great value here as the Brewers +1.5 (-182) are too expensive as a run-line underdog and the Royals -1.5 (+150) are too risky as a run-line favorite. Avoid a run-line play.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8.5 (-115).

In Ragans’ 4 home starts, the game has ended with 5, 7, 3 and 16 total runs, so 3 of those 4 would’ve gone Under this total. The Royals have gone Under in 4 of their last 5 games and are 11-22-2 O/U on the season.

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Milwaukee is 19-13-1 O/U, so it has a more dynamic offense. But the Brewers are just 2-3-1 O/U in their last 6 games, scoring 3 or fewer in 2 of their last 3 and allowing 2 or fewer runs in 4 of their last 6 games.

Couple those trends together and back UNDER 8.5 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Milwaukee police presence; 17th and Scott shooting on city's south side

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Milwaukee police presence; 17th and Scott shooting on city's south side


There is a significant Milwaukee police presence near 17th and Scott on the city’s south side following a shooting incident late Sunday, May 5.

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Milwaukee police officer shot, wounded near Cesar Chavez and Scott

FOX6 News has a crew on the scene – and we will provide more information as it becomes available.



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