Kalen Brunson and his Queens Park Rangers Under-18 teammates were eliminated from the FA Youth Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the TSG Training Centre.
Despite a spirited second-half response from the young Rangers side, two early goals from the visitors proved decisive in a match played under testing conditions of torrential rain and driving wind.
Brighton & Hove Albion wasted little time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock after just two minutes when Henry Kasvosve jinxed past two defenders before firing a low effort into the bottom corner. The lead was doubled in the 18th minute as Tyler Silsby cut inside from the left flank and curled an audacious shot into the far corner via the post.
Bermudian winger Brunson, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the R's academy ranks this season, was introduced as a 60th-minute substitute for Phil Sanyaolu as manager Tom Charles looked to inject more attacking impetus. Brunson’s arrival coincided with Rangers' most competitive spell, which saw Cory Adjetey-Brew have a 25-yard free-kick tipped onto the bar and Leon Scarlett strike the woodwork on the rebound.
Despite the relentless late pressure from the hosts, including a goal-bound header from Fraser Neill that was superbly saved, Brighton’s backline held firm. The victory sees the Category 1 visitors progress to the fifth round to face either West Bromwich Albion or Sunderland, while QPR must now refocus on league action with a trip to Watford this Saturday.
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