Fulham’s quest to lift a first F.A. Cup in club history took another major boost on Tuesday with Marco Silva’s squad reaching the quarterfinal round in front of their home fans.
Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream shined for the London club in a 2-0 Round of 16 victory over Leeds United at Craven Cottage. Both Robinson and Ream played 90 minutes apiece in Tuesday’s all-Premier League showdown, eliminating a trio of U.S. men’s national team teammates in the process.
Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie logged 90 minutes in the defeat for Leeds United while Brenden Aaronson played 16 minutes as a second-half substitute.
Fulham’s opening goal came in the 21st minute after Adams’ sloppy turnover in his own half of the field. Adams giveaway allowed Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha to pick up the loose pass before unleashing a right-footed missile into the bottom-right corner of Illan Meslier’s net.
Leeds United continued to offer a threat at the other end of the field, but Marek Rodak made several key saves to keep Fulham in front. Manor Solomon extended Fulham’s lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute, giving the Israel international his fourth-consecutive match with a goal.
Aaronson looked lively off the bench as Leeds United tried to get back into the match, but the American attacker missed wide in the 79th minute. Leeds United were unable to fight back and force extra time, condemning to a Round of 16 exit from the competition.
Ream made eight recoveries and nine clearances in his performance while Robinson led all players with eight duels won and 12 recoveries.
Fulham will learn its opponent for the quarterfinals on Wednesday night while Leeds United now prepares for a league trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
