K. Keller: Minnesota’s Secret Weapon or Just Really Good at Slide Tackles? #12’s Wild Ride Revealed!
Hey, if you’re keeping tabs on Minnesota United FC this season, you’ve gotta know about Kipp Keller, the defender in the number 12 kit. Minnesota United grabbed Keller in the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft, looking for his sharp defensive instincts and that solid college background to boost their back line.
Keller’s presence jumps out at you. At 6-foot-2, he uses his height to win those tough aerial battles and works with teammates to organize the back. He rose quickly from a standout at Saint Louis University—Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, by the way—to become a central figure at Austin FC, and now he’s with the Loons.
Want to watch his progress and see how he’s helping Minnesota United climb the MLS standings? It’s shaping up to be an interesting season with Keller anchoring the defense. You can catch more about Kipp Keller on the Minnesota United FC official profile.
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-24 | Austin FC | MLS | 19 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Minnesota United FC | MLS | — | — |
Contents
Kipp Keller’s Role at Minnesota United FC
At Minnesota United FC, Kipp Keller steps up to shape the club’s defense. As the #12 defender, his physical play and steady decisions anchor the backline.
Jersey Number and Squad Position
When Minnesota United lines up, you’ll spot Keller in jersey number 12. He mostly plays as a center back, right in the thick of the action.
He lines up alongside other defenders, whether it’s a back four or a three-center-back system. In either setup, Keller takes the central assignments and faces the toughest attacking threats.
Here’s a quick table with Keller’s Minnesota United details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Jersey Number | 12 |
| Primary Position | Center Back |
| Club | Minnesota United FC |
| MLS Debut with MIN | 2024 |
| Contract Valid Until | End of 2025, with option for 2026 |
You can count on Keller to be on the pitch for big matches, setting the tone and keeping things organized in the back.
Defensive Style and Attributes
Keller brings size, quickness, and sharp anticipation to the Minnesota United defense. At 1.87 meters tall, he wins headers during set pieces and open play.
He reads the game a step ahead, rarely overcommitting. His disciplined approach lets him make clean tackles and avoid unnecessary fouls—something you want in a young defender.
He’s quick enough to recover and cut off counterattacks, blocking those dangerous runs. Under pressure, Keller stays composed, showing the ball control and passing range needed to start attacks from deep.
Importance to Minnesota United’s Backline
Keller’s value shows up in the structure he gives Minnesota United’s backline. The club picked him in the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft, seeing a defender who could shore up a sometimes shaky defense.
With a contract through 2025 and an option for 2026, they trust him to hold down a key spot for at least two seasons. Other defenders might rotate, but Keller’s reliability means he often takes on extra responsibility.
Watch him on the field—you’ll see him communicating, organizing the line, and stepping up for big blocks or key interceptions. Minnesota United counts on him to hold the center when matches get tense and the pressure’s on.
If you want to keep up with his latest news and stats, check out ESPN’s Kipp Keller profile or Minnesota United’s official squad page.
Early Life and Background
Kipp Christian Keller grew up in a city that really shaped his early soccer years. His path to the pros runs right through Midwest soccer culture and top youth programs.
Birthplace and Hometown
Keller’s story starts in Saint Louis, Missouri, a city with deep soccer roots in the U.S. Born July 14, 2000, he grew up in this passionate soccer community, learning from experienced coaches and playing in a region with a rich tradition.
Saint Louis stands out as a soccer hotspot, producing lots of talented players and coaches. Keller’s family supported his early ambitions, encouraging him to chase the game from a young age.
If you look at the Midwest, Saint Louis’s impact on American soccer is obvious. The local clubs and school teams there gave Keller the foundation to take his game higher.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kipp Christian Keller |
| Birth Date | July 14, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Saint Louis, Missouri |
| Nationality | United States |
Youth Soccer Development
Keller’s youth soccer path runs through Saint Louis FC Academy. That program’s got a reputation for turning out college and pro players.
He joined the Saint Louis FC youth setup, sharpening his skills against tough competition. The academy focused on technique, tactics, and discipline—lessons that shaped how Keller plays center back.
Keller moved up the ranks quickly. His talent and work ethic earned him key roles on his youth teams. Local and regional tournaments gave him exposure to scouts and coaches searching for the next big defender.
His experience with Saint Louis FC prepared him for college and beyond. That structure taught him leadership and gave him confidence as he climbed the soccer ladder.
College Soccer Career at Saint Louis University
Keller’s years with the Saint Louis University Billikens put him on the national radar. His tough defending, smart decisions, and knack for big moments really stood out in college soccer.
Achievements with Billikens
Keller made an immediate impact for the Billikens, starting as a freshman and rarely leaving the field. Over three seasons, he played 49 matches, scored five goals, and added two assists.
His leadership helped organize the back line and made the defense stronger. Coaches praised his soccer IQ and work rate. By his last season, he took home the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Here’s a snapshot of Keller’s stats at Saint Louis University:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 – 2021 | 49 | 5 | 2 | A-10 Defensive Player of the Year |
Keller’s presence helped the Billikens grab both regular season and conference tournament titles.
NCAA Tournament and Honors
Keller’s final season with the Billikens really shines for its postseason run. Saint Louis went undefeated in the regular season, then made it to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals—a rare feat. He anchored the defense, shutting down top scorers from around the country.
His awards piled up, too. Keller picked up United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American and TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Second Team honors. He made First Team All-Conference in a tough Atlantic 10, and his play made him a top prospect in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
You can check out more details on Saint Louis University’s athletics site and MLSsoccer.com.
MLS Drafts and Professional Debut
Kipp Keller’s rise from college standout to pro starter comes with early recognition and some smart contract moves. Each stage shaped his MLS career, and it’s been quite a ride.
2022 MLS SuperDraft Experience
In the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Keller stood out as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation. Coming from Saint Louis University, he showed mature decisions and strong defensive skills, drawing interest from several teams.
Austin FC picked Keller fifth overall. That high pick showed just how much teams valued his potential and readiness. The SuperDraft had other top talents, but not many matched his leadership and technical skills.
Notable 2022 MLS SuperDraft Picks:
| Pick | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Bender | Charlotte | Midfield |
| 2 | Thorleifur Ulfarsson | Houston | Forward |
| 5 | Kipp Keller | Austin FC | Defender |
Draft night set Keller up for a big first year in MLS.
Signing with Austin FC
After the draft, Keller signed with Austin FC and quickly worked his way into the squad. He wore the number 12 shirt and competed for a starting spot right away. Austin FC liked his college résumé and believed he could handle the league’s pace.
Keller made his pro debut early in the 2022 season. Fans noticed his composure and ability to read the game. He started several matches and played key minutes as a rookie.
Austin FC built a young back line, and Keller’s presence brought more stability. He showed he could handle tough assignments and learn fast from each match.
Generation Adidas Contract
Before the draft, Keller signed a Generation Adidas contract. This MLS and adidas partnership lets select players enter early with special contract terms that don’t fully count against a club’s salary cap.
Signing as a Generation Adidas player gave Keller unique financial and development perks. The deal helped him jump from college to the pros quickly. It also showed MLS saw him as someone with immediate value and long-term upside.
Generation Adidas guys get extra resources for training and career support. For Keller, this move gave him a leg up as he started out with Austin FC, setting the stage for his Major League Soccer journey.
Club Career Progression Before Minnesota United FC
You can trace Keller’s early pro journey through several clubs and leagues in American soccer. He kicked off his MLS career in Texas, spent some time in Ohio, and gained valuable experience with the developmental squads.
Austin FC and Austin FC II
Austin FC grabbed Kipp Keller with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Keller came in from Saint Louis University, already carrying a reputation as one of the top collegiate defenders around.
He played 17 matches across all competitions for Austin FC. Most of the time, he filled in as a backup at center back, but he also jumped into the starting lineup when injuries or suspensions hit.
His performances? They weren’t always steady, but you could see flashes of his potential and that strong physical presence he brought to the back line. Sometimes, you just get the feeling he’s on the verge of breaking through.
Austin FC leaned into developing young players with their MLS Next Pro affiliate, Austin FC II.
Keller took advantage of those minutes, facing off against younger talent and learning the ropes of the pro game’s physical and tactical demands.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | Austin FC | 17 | 0 |
| 2023 | Austin FC II | Varied | 0 |
His time in Austin really built his reputation as a versatile and hardworking defender.
Tenure at FC Cincinnati
After Austin, Keller spent a brief spell with FC Cincinnati.
He didn’t rack up many first-team appearances, but he stayed busy in training and served as a reliable backup.
The coaching staff liked his attitude and the way he competed for a spot on the main roster.
Even though he saw limited action in matches, Keller used his time at Cincinnati to keep training at a high level.
He traveled with the squad, stayed ready, and picked up new ideas from different coaches.
That experience helped set him up for the next chapter in MLS.
Participation in MLS Next Pro
Keller kept busy in MLS Next Pro, suiting up for both Austin FC II and during his time with FC Cincinnati.
MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth soccer and the full professional game, and Keller made the most of it.
He faced off against other young pros, working on his positioning and anticipation.
Those matches gave him valuable minutes and let him show his stuff to multiple coaching staffs.
He got used to the fast pace and physical play, which helped him step up when senior team chances came his way.
All of that led him right to Minnesota United.
Key Competitions and Milestones
Kipp Keller’s time with Minnesota United FC includes some big moments in league play and the always-important MLS drafts.
You’ll find a record of matches and milestones that helped shape his journey in Major League Soccer.
Concacaf Champions Cup Appearances
So far, Keller hasn’t played in the Concacaf Champions Cup for Minnesota United FC.
Since he joined, the club hasn’t qualified for the tournament, so his international résumé with Minnesota remains blank for now.
Minnesota United has pushed for international spots in the past, but during Keller’s run, they haven’t made it.
If the club locks in a Champions Cup berth down the line, Keller’s defensive skills and physical style could put him right in the mix for selection.
His name isn’t on the Champions Cup stat sheets yet, but the door’s still open as Minnesota United chases bigger prizes in MLS and beyond.
MLS Re-Entry Draft Selection
Now, let’s talk about a real turning point in Kipp Keller’s career. Minnesota United FC grabbed him in December 2023, right in Stage 1 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft.
Minnesota didn’t hesitate—they picked up his contract outright. That move gave the club some security, and honestly, it probably gave Keller a bit of clarity about his future on the pitch.
Here’s a quick look at Keller’s draft history:
| Draft | Year | Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS SuperDraft | 2022 | 5th overall | Austin FC |
| MLS Re-Entry Draft | 2024 | Round 1 | Minnesota United FC |
Austin FC chose Keller with the 5th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He played in 17 matches across all competitions before he made the move to Minnesota.
The Re-Entry Draft opened the door for him to sign a new contract through 2025, with an option for 2026. That’s a route MLS reserves for experienced players who might want a fresh start or just a change of scenery.
Want more details? Check out his acquisition by Minnesota United FC.
