VARDEN — Western Wayne just recently closed out another solid season in Lackawanna League boys soccer action.
Under the direction of veteran head coach Matt Fitzsimmons, the Wildcats posted an overall record of 10-8-0. That mark was good enough for a fifth-place finish in Division II and a berth in the district playoffs.
Sadly for local fans, the ‘Cats were eliminated in the Class AA quarterfinals by Lake Lehman.
“Overall, I’m pleased with how things went,” said Fitzsimmons. “We started off really strong, but lost a few in the middle of the season. I definitely think we left a couple on the table.”
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Shortly after the season officially ended, four Wildcats were named to the 2024 Lackawanna League All-Stars.
Timmy Roberts, Jacob Wells, Mikey Durso and Logan Pauler were each recognized for outstanding play this fall.
“They’re great kids,” Fitzsimmons said. “All four of them always give 100 percent. Plus they’re good leaders on and off the field. They set a really positive example for our younger players.”
Roberts enjoyed a stellar senior season at forward and was named to the first team All-Stars. He led the ‘Cats in scoring with 30 goals, closing out his varsity career with a total of 60. He also handed out 11 assists this year.
“Timmy just had a phenomenal season,” said Fitzsimmons. “He was double and triple teamed at times and still managed to score beautiful goals. It’s going to be incredibly hard to replace Timmy’s skill level and leadership.”
Wells is a junior who earned first team honors in the midfield. He tallied nine goals and led the squad with 13 assists.
“Jacob really turned it on as the season progressed,” Fitzsimmons said. “He played just about every position on the field, and he has a motor that never quits. I’m expecting big things from Jacob next year.”
Durso put together a solid senior season on Western Wayne’s front line and brought home second team All-Star laurels. He notched 22 goals this fall, winding up with 48 for his career, and added 12 assists.
“Speed and power are Mikey’s strongest assets,” Fitzsimmons said. “His skill level is unmatched by most players in the league. Mikey should be proud of all he’s accomplished in his career.”
Pauler is a junior defender who anchored Western Wayne’s back line all season long. His lockdown skills earned him a berth on the second team All-Stars.
“Logan was a calming force of the defensive side of the ball and became a team captain,” Fitzsimmons said. “He’s extremely quick and intelligent. Logan will be a major leader on our team next year.”
Western Wayne experienced everything from dizzying highs to devastating lows this fall.
However, victories over archrival Honesdale and perennial AA powerhouse Lakeland stand out.
The ‘Cats jumped out to an early lead on the road versus the Hornets and never looked back en route to a 7-2 romp. They then showed great resilience in a barnburner against the Chiefs, finally securing a wild 6-5 decision.
According to Fitzsimmons, these are exactly the type of games that bode well for the future.
“It really does look bright,” he said. “We lose a good group of seniors, but we return a lot of players, too. Plus, we have an excellent junior high team, so I’m really looking forward to the next few years.”

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