FC Cincinnati sign defender Kipp Keller

FC Cincinnati have acquired the rights to defender Kipp Keller from Austin FC in exchange for the Orange and Blue’s third-round pick in MLS SuperDraft 2024, the clubs announced today. The Orange and Blue have signed Keller, 23, to a contract through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026.

“I’d like to welcome Kipp to Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “We initially identified him before the 2022 draft as a talented young player with great potential. Now, we’re excited to have him join the group, and we look forward to his continued development with FC Cincinnati.”

Keller was selected by Austin FC with the fifth-overall pick in MLS SuperDraft 2022 out of Saint Louis University. The center back, taken three spots behind FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, was a member of the 2022 Generation adidas class alongside FCC’s starting keeper.

With Austin, Keller made 17 total appearances spanning regular season, Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competition. He also made 16 appearances, all starts, in 2023 for MLS NEXT Pro Champions Austin FC II.

A St. Louis, Missouri native, Keller made 49 appearances for Saint Louis University from 2019 to 2021, netting five goals and two assists. In his final season in 2021, Keller was named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-A-10. He also helped lead the Billikens to an undefeated regular season, A-10 regular season and tournament titles, and an NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal appearance. Keller was named a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American in 2021.