Tiana Dedaskalou attends Leading Edge Academy - Gilbert and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

On Wednesday, the Leading Edge Academy - Gilbert Spartans started their fourth game of the season with fierce energy against the Bisbee Pumas at Freestone Park. The game began with a powerful kick from midfielder, Joy Masselink to center forward, Brandon Jones. Early in the game, the Pumas stole the ball and tried to score, but goalie, Owen Norris caught the ball mid-air. Norris kept the team’s spirits up by preventing goals until midway through the first half. Shortly after the Pumas scored their second goal, a Spartan player left the game after being hit in the face with the ball.

The Spartans kept up a strong defense and defender Ashley Broos said, “communication was key to our improved performance as a team.” Spartan fans were energized after a goal attempt by Jones nearly went in.

Undeterred by the rain that started in the second half, the Spartans continued to support each other and challenge goal attempts by the Pumas. In the end, Leading Edge Academy - Gilbert fell to the Pumas 0-7, but Broos highlighted improvements made by the Spartans. “I’m proud of our team and their courage to attack the goal more often.”