Speaking to www.themillers.co.uk in the build up to Rotherham United’s trip to Goodison Park, Matt Olosunde stressed that playing against Everton in the Emirates FA Cup would give everyone at the club the chance to showcase their ability.
The American certainly lead by example, excelling in the right-wing-back position as the Millers went toe-to-toe with their top flight opponents.
After going behind early on, Paul Warne’s men grew into the game and created numerous chances to restore parity before Olosunde popped up. With one swing of his right boot, he squeezed the ball past Robin Olsen to equalise and in doing so, marked his first career goal.
With the game being played behind-closed-doors, supporters were sadly not permitted to attend the cup tie, but Olosunde reaffirmed that his family were watching the game back in the United States, making the strike even more special.
“I’m delighted to get my first goal. I didn’t really expect it at the time, I just swung my foot at the ball and thankfully it ended up in the back of the net, I’m really happy with it."
“My family watch every game back in the United States, hopefully they were watching this one and they were happy to see me score.”
The game against the Toffees ended all square after 90 minutes, in any normal season, that would have been enough to earn a replay against Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, due to the packed fixture schedule, the third round tie went to extra time and the home side again managed to edge their noses in front again.
The Millers had certainly given their opponents a scare, though, with the hosts making changes midway through the game to combat the threats of Warne’s side, something which Olosunde says will give the team a big confidence boost.
“At the beginning I think maybe we gave them a bit too much respect, but as the game went on I think we really got at them and really showed what we could do. I think we put our front foot forward and really took the game to them.
“It’s always a confidence boost when you come to a place like this, playing against a good Premier League side like Everton. Not only did we compete really well, but I also feel like at points we were the better team."
“In the last few weeks I’ve felt really comfortable playing in that right-wing-back position and I’m just happy I can really get in and try and do my best for the team whenever I can.”