Everton Under-23s are out of the Premier League Cup after a 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Goals from Jiri Skalak Aaron Connolly and Viktor Gyokeres were enough to send the Seagulls into the last eight.
After an even start to the game – played on a bitterly cold and blustery day on the South Coast – Blues skipper Antony Evans had the first shot on goal but his effort was well saved by Brighton keeper Rob Sanchez.
Shayne Lavery then went close to putting the Blues in front.