Kipp Keller


Kipp Christian Keller is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for USL Championship side New Mexico United.

Career

Youth and college

Keller played high school soccer at The Principia in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was named First-team All-State selection, helping to lead them to a state championship his freshman year. Keller also played club soccer with the Saint Louis FC academy, where he helped the U-19 side advance to the USSDA playoffs in 2018. He signed an academy contract with Saint Louis FC in 2019, making a single appearance for the club in the US Open Cup on May 29, 2019, against Forward Madison.
In 2019, Keller attended Saint Louis University to play college soccer. He went on to make 49 appearances for the Billikens, scoring five goals and tallying two assists. He also earned honors such as second-team All-Conference and A-10 All-Rookie team in 2019, second-team All-Conference in 2020, and second-team All-American nod in 2021, as well as Atlantic-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He and the 2021 team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA College Cup.
Keller was part of the USL League Two roster for St. Louis Scott Gallagher during their 2021 season, but didn't appear for the club.

Professional

Austin FC

In January 2022, it was announced that Keller had signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, and would leave college a year early to enter the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. On January 11, 2022, he was selected 5th overall in the SuperDraft by Austin FC. He made his professional debut on February 26, 2022, starting against FC Cincinnati in a 5–0 win. On November 17, 2023, Austin FC announced they would not exercise the 2024 option for Keller. After a poor showing in the first game of the 2023 season Keller was loaned to the Austin FC second team Austin FC II. Keller appeared in 16 games as a center back for Austin FC II during their 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup season.

FC Cincinnati

In December 2023, Keller signed with FC Cincinnati following the conclusion of his contract with Austin FC, who declined his 2024 option.

Minnesota United

In December 2024, Keller was selected by Minnesota United FC in Stage 1 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. He joined the club ahead of the 2025 season, splitting his time between the senior squad and Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS Next Pro. On August 22, 2025, New Mexico United announced the acquisition of Keller for the remainder of the 2025 USL Championship season. On October 11, Keller scored his first professional goal in a 3–3 draw with Orange County SC. On November 26, Minnesota United announced that they had declined Keller's contract option.

New Mexico United

On January 9, 2026, New Mexico United announced they had signed Keller to a contract for the 2026 USL Championship season.

Career statistics

Club

Honors

Austin FC II
  • MLS Next Pro: 2023