Swedish underdogs Ostersunds produce England's lone Europa League goal

Arsenal and Everton may be the only English teams in the Europa League this season, but it was a Swedish team that provided the only English goalscorer this week.

Curtis Edwards' sublime effort for Ostersunds in their 2-2 draw with Athletic Club will go down as another one of this season's beautiful moments for a club experiencing an incredible and quick rise.

After Alhaji Gero cancelled out Aritz Aduriz's opener for the Basque visitors, the 23-year-old put his side in the lead when he met Saman Ghoddos' cross at the edge of the box and smashed it low into the bottom corner, running away in elation with his team-mates.

The midfielder started his career in Middlesbrough's youth system before joining Darlington and was playing in England's semi-professional leagues just two years ago. However, he has found stardom since teaming up with English manager Graham Potter at Ostersunds, scoring eight goals in 48 appearances in all competitions.

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The team were playing in the fourth tier of Swedish football just six years ago and were promoted to the Allsvenskan for the first time in 2016, and snapped Edwards up from Ytterhogdals a few months later. 

They finished eighth and won the domestic cup last term and have carried the magic on this year. 

After navigating three qualifying rounds - eliminating Galatasaray on the way - they sit top of Europa League Group J with seven points from three games. They are still going strong in the league, too, sitting fifth and challenging for another spot in European competition.

Wins over Zorya and Hertha Berlin saw them start strong in the group stage and they put in a good display against Athletic as well, missing a few chances throughout the game.

Despite the performance and Edwards' stunning goal, Inaki Williams' late equaliser put a dampener on the night and left the Englishman disappointed.

"I should have scored two or three," told Kanal 9. "I'm quite honestly disappointed with myself.

"I am very disappointed to be honest. Of course, we knew that it would be tough, but when you're leading in the 85th minute, you're hoping you can hold on and win. We have to be happy with the effort, but disappointed in the end."

Ostersunds coach Potter was a bit more optimistic than his compatriot, but also felt his side should have kept their perfect record.

"I'm very proud. The guys showed courage and put in a good effort. I am very proud of their efforts," he said. "I feel sorry for the players because I think they deserved three points."

Just halfway through the group stage and with an away trip to Bilbao coming up next in the competition, Edwards and Ostersunds will get more chances to live up to their high expectations this season.