A system for controlling compressor forward leakage to the compressor flow path in a gas turbine is provided. The system includes a first compressor rotor wheel coupled to an upstream face of a compressor spacer wheel. A second compressor rotor wheel is coupled to a downstream face of the compressor spacer wheel. The compressor spacer wheel includes at least one intake recess defined in the downstream face, at least one discharge recess defined in the upstream face, and at least one axial passage coupling the at least one intake recess in fluid communication with the at least one discharge recess.