Kipp Keller Bio
Kipp Christian Keller (born July 14, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for United Soccer League club New Mexico United. Standing at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), Keller is recognized for his composure on the ball and tactical awareness from the center back position. He began his professional path through the Saint Louis FC academy, developed at Saint Louis University, and was a top-five selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Across his early career, Keller has competed in Major League Soccer, MLS Next Pro, and the USL Championship, wearing jersey number 4 for New Mexico United. His journey from a state championship-winning high school defender to a Generation Adidas draftee reflects a steady rise through the American soccer development system.
Early Life and Background
Kipp Christian Keller was born on July 14, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. Growing up in a region widely known for its deep soccer culture, he was exposed to the sport at a young age through local clubs and school programs. The St. Louis area has long produced top American talent, and Keller’s early training reflected that tradition.
He attended The Principia, a high school in St. Louis, where he played for the soccer team and quickly established himself as one of the state’s top young defenders. As a freshman, he helped lead The Principia to a state championship and was later named a First-team All-State selection. That early success signaled his potential and drew attention from college and academy scouts.
Path to Soccer
Keller joined the Saint Louis FC academy during his youth career, continuing his development within one of the most respected club systems in the Midwest. In 2018, he helped the academy’s U-19 side advance to the USSDA playoffs, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition. The following year, he signed an academy contract with Saint Louis FC and made a single appearance for the senior team in the 2019 US Open Cup against Forward Madison on May 29, 2019.
In 2019, Keller enrolled at Saint Louis University to play college soccer for the Saint Louis Billikens. Over three seasons, he made 49 appearances, scoring five goals and tallying two assists. He earned second-team All-Conference honors in 2019 and 2020, was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie team in 2019, and capped his college career in 2021 by winning Atlantic-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earning second-team All-American recognition. That same year, the Billikens advanced to the NCAA College Cup quarterfinals.
Kipp Keller Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Keller’s earliest senior experience came during the 2019 US Open Cup with Saint Louis FC, where he earned his first professional appearance while still in high school. He balanced that brief first-team outing with his ongoing college development at Saint Louis University, gradually building the minutes and consistency needed to attract professional attention.
During the 2021 USL League Two season, Keller was part of the roster for St. Louis Scott Gallagher, though he did not make an appearance for the club. His college awards that year, including Atlantic-10 Defensive Player of the Year, helped position him as a strong candidate for the upcoming MLS SuperDraft.
Austin FC Era (2022–2023)
In January 2022, Keller signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, leaving college a year early to enter the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. On January 11, 2022, he was selected fifth overall by Austin FC, becoming one of the highest picks of that draft class. He made his professional debut on February 26, 2022, starting at center back in a 5–0 win over FC Cincinnati.
Following a difficult first outing of the 2023 season, Keller was loaned to Austin FC II, the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate. He appeared in 16 matches for Austin FC II during their 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup campaign, gaining important minutes and sharpening his defensive game. On November 17, 2023, Austin FC announced they would not exercise his 2024 option, ending his time in Austin.
FC Cincinnati (2024)
After his release from Austin FC, Keller signed with FC Cincinnati in December 2023 as a free agent. The move provided a fresh opportunity to compete for minutes within another MLS organization and its developmental pipeline.
Minnesota United Era (2025)
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 preseason and split time between the senior squad and Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS Next Pro, continuing his development as a reliable central defender.
New Mexico United Era (2025–Present)
On August 22, 2025, New Mexico United announced the acquisition of Keller for the remainder of the 2025 USL Championship season. On October 11, 2025, he scored his first professional goal in a 3–3 draw with Orange County SC, a milestone moment in his career. Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Minnesota United announced on November 26 that they had declined Keller’s contract option. On January 9, 2026, New Mexico United confirmed they had signed Keller to a contract for the 2026 USL Championship season, securing his place at the club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Though he plays a defensive position, Keller’s style is built on calm distribution, smart positioning, and physical presence at 6 ft 1 in. He reads the game well from the center back role, organizes the back line, and contributes to build-up play from the back. His willingness to step into higher-pressure moments, as seen during the Austin FC II MLS Next Pro Cup run, reflects a steady and adaptable temperament.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Keller’s career include being drafted fifth overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, scoring his first professional goal on October 11, 2025, and helping Austin FC II through their 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup season. His freshman-year state championship at The Principia and his Atlantic-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 also stand out as defining early achievements.
Kipp Keller Career Highlights
Kipp Christian Keller’s career features steady progression from youth soccer in St. Louis to professional contracts across Major League Soccer and the USL Championship.
USL Championship Highlights
During his initial loan to New Mexico United, Keller made an immediate impact, scoring his first professional goal on October 11, 2025, in a 3–3 draw with Orange County SC. His performances were strong enough that the club signed him to a new contract on January 9, 2026, ensuring his continued presence for the 2026 season.
MLS Next Pro Performances
Keller appeared in 16 matches for Austin FC II during their 2023 MLS Next Pro Cup run, providing consistent defending and gaining critical experience in a competitive professional environment. His time with Minnesota United FC 2 in 2025 further strengthened his MLS Next Pro resume.
Kipp Keller Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Keller grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, a region with a strong tradition of developing professional soccer players. His early connection to the Saint Louis FC academy shaped his path into the sport, though specific details about his parents are not publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Keller currently resides in the United States and remains focused on his professional career with New Mexico United. Information regarding his spouse and children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Keller’s 2025 campaign was defined by movement and growth. He began the year with Minnesota United FC after being selected in Stage 1 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft in December 2024. He split time between the senior squad and Minnesota United FC 2, gaining regular minutes in MLS Next Pro.
Midway through the season, on August 22, 2025, New Mexico United acquired Keller for the remainder of the USL Championship season. He quickly became a contributor in the back line, and on October 11, 2025, he scored his first professional goal in a 3–3 draw with Orange County SC.
Following the season, Minnesota United declined his contract option on November 26, but New Mexico United signed him to a new deal on January 9, 2026, locking him in for the 2026 USL Championship season. The trajectory suggests a defender whose best professional years are still ahead of him.