ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Friday the club had acquired defender Kipp Keller on loan from Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 25-year-old center-back joins United for the remainder of the 2025 USL Championship season, adding depth to the club’s defensive unit. A product of the Saint Louis University program, Keller was selected fifth overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC. Since then, he has made 64 appearances across all competitions, including 29 in Major League Soccer.

“We’re excited to welcome Kipp to New Mexico United,” said New Mexico United’s Sporting Director Itamar Keinan.“He brings a strong pedigree and a wealth of experience to our backline. His addition gives us another important piece as we work toward achieving our goals this season.”

Keller joins the club with significant experience competing at the highest levels of American soccer. In the 2024 season, while with FC Cincinnati, Keller featured in 24 matches across four competitions. He appeared in 16 MLS regular-season games, three Leagues Cup fixtures, and three matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Late in 2024, Keller was selected by Minnesota United FC in Stage 1 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft. During the 2025 season, he made eight appearances and logged 520 minutes with Minnesota United 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.