FC Cincinnati Trade For Centerback Kipp Keller

FC Cincinnati have added to their backline ahead of the 2024 season. Cincy have added centerback Kipp Keller from Austin FC in exchange for a 2024 3rd Round SuperDraft pick. The 23 year old centerback was only drafted two years ago in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft when Austin picked him with their 5th overall pick. The potential around Keller has always been there since that draft day, even though the performance within MLS hasn’t always been great. Last season Keller played 1,900 minutes between Austin FC and Austin FC II, a major increase in minutes from his rookie campaign in which he roughly played 300 minutes.

I still believe in the potential of what Kipp Keller can be as a professional centerback. He has shown glimpses of his ability and if put into the correct system, I feel can be useful. Could that system be under Pat Noonan in a back three? I think it can only help! FC Cincinnati’s centerback core will be an interesting one in 2024. I truly hope the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners can find a way to bring back Yerson Mosquera from Wolves. If they can’t, signing Miles Robinson wouldn’t be too bad either! Whatever they do, a starting back three of Mosquera/Robinson, Matt Miazga, and Nick Hagglund could be great. Then pairing that with some young depth of Ian Murphy and Kipp Keller? I think FC Cincinnati are doing their best to fix a much exploited hold in their roster during their last MLS Cup Playoff run.