a 0–0 draw and throughout the match he received standing ovations from Lierse supporters. After making his debut for the club, Kawashima quickly established himself in the first team as a starting goalkeeper. He then kept two clean sheets between 31 October 2012 and 4 November 2012 against Genk and OH Leuven, in two 2–0 victories. He again kept three clean sheets between 18 November 2012 and 2 December 2012 against Zulte Waregem, Lierse and Waasland-Beveren. He kept another three clean sheets between 16 February 2013 and 9 March 2013 against Cercle Brugge, Genk and OH Leuven. As the 2012–13 season progressed, the club became a serious contender for the title in the Championship Playoff. However, Standard Liege's two losses between 5 May 2013 and 12 May 2013 against Anderlecht and Club Brugge cost the side the league title. Kawashima started in every match throughout the 2012–13 season until he was dropped from the squad for the next two matches following his performance against Club Brugge. In a match against Gent for the Europa League spot for next season, Kawashima played in both legs, in a 7–1 win on aggregate. In his first season at Standard Liege he made 40 appearances in all competitions. For his performances, he was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year but lost out to Silvio Proto for the second time. Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Kawashima was linked with a move away from the club, but no bid was made. Instead, he remained a first choice goalkeeper at the start of the season. Throughout the UEFA Europa League qualifications playoffs campaign, Kawashima helped the side reach the Group Stage after beating KR, Xanthi and FC Minsk. He started the league season well keeping six clean sheets in the first six league matches. Kawashima later credited the arrival of goalkeeper coach Jos Beckx for his performance and keeping six clean sheets in the first six league matches. However, in late–October, Kawashima suffered a hip injury which made him miss three matches. He then returned from injury on 10 November 2013 against Club Brugge, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw, and amassed three more clean sheets in the following matches. Kawashima then kept five more clean sheets between 18 January 2014 and 15 February 2014. As the 2013–14 season progressed the club bcame a title contender again. However, it again did not succeed in the