In the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Austin FC selected Generation adidas defender Kipp Keller in the first round with the fifth overall pick.
Kellee, a St. Louis, Missouri native, made 49 appearances (48 starts) for Saint Louis University from 2019 to 2021, recording five goals and two assists. Keller was named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Conference selection for the Fall 2021 season.
The 21-year-old center back led the Billikens to an undefeated regular season, Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament titles, and an NCAA Tournament quarterfinal appearance. Keller was named a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American.
Prior to his collegiate career, Keller captained the Saint Louis FC U-19 Academy side. He was also a First Team All-State selection at Principia School, leading them to a state championship in his freshman year.
Keller will be added to the Club’s Supplemental roster. Generation adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas, which makes select top collegiate underclassmen and youth national team players available in the SuperDraft. Generation adidas player salaries are not charged against an MLS team’s annual salary budget.
Additionally, defender Charlie Asensio was drafted in the second round with the 35th overall pick, and midfielder Michael Knapp in the third round with the 61st overall pick.