Batata’s Suspension Ends; He’ll Play for the Lazers Today

Brazilian forward Batata, who was suspended without pay by the Lazers Feb. 1, will return to the lineup today when the Lazers meet the Pittsburgh Spirit in a Major Indoor Soccer League game at Pittsburgh.

Batata was placed on indefinite suspension by Coach Peter Wall after refusing to play in a game against the Cleveland Force. Afterward, he asked to be traded to another MISL team.

“I am very happy to be back with the Lazers,” Batata said Saturday. “I want to concentrate on playing and playing well for the team.”

Batata, 29, is in the second year of a three-year contract with the Lazers.

Today’s game is the first of three road games this week for the Lazers (18-15). They meet the Minnesota Strikers Tuesday and the Dallas Sidekicks Wednesday before returning to the Forum for a rematch with Pittsburgh March 11.