Minnesota United lands former MLS top pick | OneFootball

Minnesota United FC officially announced the acquisition of defender Kipp Keller in Stage 1 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft. With the signing, 24-year-old Keller comes through the door on a contract that is valid through 2025, with an option to extend into 2026. His arrival has been widely viewed as another strategic move for the team seeking defensive solidity after its competitive season under head coach Eric Ramsay.

From Austin FC prospect to key piece in Minnesota

Kipp Keller is not exactly an unknown. His career began to take shape in 2022 when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC. Keller came with a promising résumé from Saint Louis University, where he played 49 matches, scored 5 goals, and provided 2 assists between 2019 and 2021.

During his college days, he was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to the First Team All-A-10, which certainly made him one of the more highly regarded players in college soccer in the United States. Keller was also an integral part of Saint Louis' undefeated season, as the team captured both the regular season and tournament championships, while advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

After being selected via draft by Austin FC, Keller made 17 appearances for the Verde & Black. His time in Austin came with its highs and lows, and the defender would later be transferred to FC Cincinnati in December 2023. In Cincinnati, Keller saw more time on the field, making 22 appearances and accumulating over 1,045 minutes, including experience in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where he gained valuable international playing time.

Keller adds depth and renewal to Minnesota United's defense

Kipp Keller's arrival at Minnesota United FC is a calculated move to strengthen a defense that already includes experienced names such as Michael Boxall, Jefferson Díaz, and Carlos Harvey. Head coach Eric Ramsay has a solid defensive setup, but the team needed younger, versatile options to maintain rhythm throughout the demanding MLS season.

Keller fits that profile perfectly, as he has a strong physical presence and good positional awareness. Not only does he bring youth, but also experience through his time with Austin and Cincinnati.

Minnesota finished off 2024 with a promising season, finishing sixth in the Western Conference and reaching the Audi MLS Cup semifinals.

Experience

In the case of Keller, one can see in his background the combination of experience and potential growth: at such a young age, he has already experienced high-level competitions like MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup, earning minutes which have grown him into a more aware and confident defender.

His college performances, where he starred in one of Saint Louis University's best campaigns, prove that Keller knows how to handle responsibility and big moments. He brings the profile of an ascending player who can use this new chapter at Minnesota United to turn promise into results.

A transition to a club like Minnesota might be exactly what Keller needs: the competitive atmosphere, the presence of experienced defenders, and the belief of the coaching staff will provide the perfect setting in which he can earn important minutes on the field and maybe secure a starting position.